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Ipswich Town return to the Premier League with a fixture against Sunderland at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon.
The Tractor Boys will be hoping to avoid a repeat of immediate relegation back to the Championship, which they suffered in 2024/25.
As for Sunderland, an exceptional 2025/26 means they will have to juggle Europa League football with the Premier League this season.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Ipswich Town vs. Sunderland key stats
- Ipswich have spent around £150m this summer, while Sunderland have spent £0.
- Ipswich won their last four pre-season friendlies.
- Sunderland had a mixed pre-season (W4, L3).
Ipswich Town vs. Sunderland preview: Tractor Boys to get off the mark?
Ipswich vs Sunderland — Tale of the Tape
| Ipswich | vs | Sunderland |
|---|---|---|
| 12th | Position | 19th |
| 0 | Points | 0 |
| 0 | Goals For | 0 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 12th | Home / Away Rank | 19th |
Ipswich did well to bounce back straight away from Premier League relegation, finishing second in the Championship and winning automatic promotion.
Kieran McKenna was the man responsible again, although he stepped down this summer and was replaced by Gary O'Neil.
The new manager has been backed significantly with around £150m of new signings, including the return of Julio Enciso as a player he knew well from managing him for Strasbourg.
Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor are injury doubts, but Ipswich appear to have a strong squad to choose from.
The same can be said for Sunderland, with Simon Adingra the only confirmed absentee.
The Black Cats spent excessively last summer to try and stay up after promotion, and they had a season they will never forget.
Indeed, Regis Le Bris guided them to a seventh-place finish and Europa League football, which will present a new challenge this campaign but one they will look forward to.
Sunderland have not spent any money so far this transfer window, but that could change as they hope they will end with a squad strong enough to compete on all fronts.
Ipswich Town vs. Sunderland form guide & betting tips
| Ipswich | vs | Sunderland |
|---|---|---|
N/A |
Form | N/A |
| 0 | Points | 0 |
| 12th | Form Table | 19th |
| 0 | Goals For | 0 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
LWWWW |
Form (All Comps) | LWLWW |
Whispers predicts: Ipswich Town 1-1 Sunderland
Sunderland are slight 7/4 (2.75) favourites to win, but given Ipswich have home advantage and are in good form, we fancy them to get a positive result.
A Draw at 12/5 (3.40) could hold great value, while Under 2.5 goals at 10/11 (1.91) could also be worth backing in what may be a close encounter.
In terms of player betting, Enzo Le Fee to score or assist at 21/10 (3.10) also appeals, given he recorded 11 goal contributions (G5, A6) in the Premier League last season.
Overall, we are predicting a 1-1 draw, which is available at 6/1 (7.00).
> Under 2.5 goals at 10/11 (1.91) | Likelihood: Probable
> Enzo Le Fee to score or assist at 21/10 (3.10) | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw at 12/5 (3.40) | Likelihood: Outsider