Ipswich host Sunderland on opening day

Recent form points both ways

Ipswich have won three and drawn two of their last five recent matches, including a 4-2 victory in their most recent outing on 15 August. Sunderland match that record with three wins from five, though they lost twice in that span — the most recent a 4-2 defeat on 25 July. The contrast is narrow but real: Ipswich have avoided defeat in their last five, while Sunderland's run includes two losses among the wins.

History offers no pattern

The five most recent meetings between the clubs produced 11 goals and no clear pattern. Ipswich won the last two — 2-1 in January 2024 and 2-1 in August 2023 — but lost two of the three before that, sandwiching a 1-1 draw. A win here would take either side to three points from one game; a draw leaves both on one point from one. Arsenal lead the table on three points and a goal difference of three, having already played once.

Confirmed line-ups

Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1): Kjell Scherpen, Jacob Greaves, Leif Davis, Issa Diop, Dara O'Shea, Daizen Maeda, Fatawu Issahaku, Marcelino Núñez, Sasa Lukic, Julio Enciso, Emersonn

Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Robin Roefs, Thomas Meunier, Danny Ballard, Reinildo Mandava, Luke O'Nien, Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fée, Nilson Angulo, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Brian Brobbey

We are covering this one live. Follow it with us in the match centre for the line-ups when they land, the goals as they go in, and the full timeline.