Ipswich Town host Sunderland at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon, marking Gary O’Neil’s first competitive match in charge of the club.
O’Neil replaces Kieran McKenna, whose four-year tenure delivered back-to-back promotions before ending after last season’s immediate relegation from the Premier League. The rebuild since has been substantial, and Saturday offers the first real evidence of how quickly the new arrivals have settled.
Ipswich Town team news
Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor are both doubts heading into the opener, with Taylor nursing a knee issue that has restricted his pre-season involvement. Neither is expected to be risked from the start if any uncertainty remains closer to kick-off.
The summer has brought wholesale change to the squad. Kjell Scherpen arrives as the new first-choice goalkeeper after starting Ipswich’s final two pre-season fixtures. Abdoul Ouattara, who joined in a package deal alongside Julio Enciso, is expected to start at right-back.
Issa Diop and Sasa Lukic, both arriving from Fulham, look set to feature from the off — Diop in central defence and Lukic providing composure in midfield. Marcelino Núñez, who created 68 chances last season, retains a central role in the middle of the park.
Up front, Abdul Fatawu and Daizen Maeda provide the width either side of Emersonn, the Brazilian striker brought in to lead the line. Jack Clarke, last season’s standout performer with 16 goals, remains a central figure in O’Neil’s attacking plans regardless of the new signings around him, even if his exact starting role is still being finalised. Leif Davis continues at left-back, and Dara O’Shea partners Diop in the heart of defence.
Ipswich Town predicted lineup
Ipswich Town possible starting XI (4-3-3): Scherpen; Ouattara, O’Shea, Diop, Davis; Nunez, Lukic, Egeli; Fatawu, Emersonn, Maeda
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League match kicks off at 15:00 BST on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
How to watch Ipswich Town vs Sunderland?
This match is not expected to be broadcast live on television in the UK, in line with the traditional Saturday 3pm blackout.
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See also – Ipswich Town vs Sunderland – Match preview and team news