Ipswich Town vs Sunderland Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | Premier League 2026-27
Europe-bound Sunderland eye win over Ipswich in Suffolk in first Premier League clash in two and a half decades
Portman Road in Suffolk, United Kingdom, gears up to host Matchweek 1 of the Premier League, where home team Ipswich Town and Europe-bound Sunderland face each other in what is set to be a thrilling clash.
Ed Sheeran’s Ipswich Town finished second last season in the Championship and are back in the English top flight. They made some solid signings after acquiring the services of Julio Enciso and Ouattara from Strasbourg and Sasa Lukic from Fulham.
They are led by English gaffer Gary O’Neil, who also made a move from Strasbourg to Suffolk and has previously managed Wolves and Bournemouth in the English top flight. They won their last four friendly games after wins over Wycombe, Le Havre, Rayo Vallecano and Union Berlin.
The Black Cats, after gaining promotion to the English top flight, not only avoided relegation but also managed to clinch a coveted berth in the UEFA Europa League. They won their last three friendly games, including wins over Lens, Rennes and Wrexham.
They are led by French gaffer Regis Le Bris, who turned around the fortunes of this club after taking over the reins in 2024. They roped in Thomas Meunier from Lille and Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht. They will be keen to get the better of Ipswich and kickstart the new season strongly.
Kick-off:
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
- Location: Suffolk, United Kingdom
- Stadium: Portman Road Stadium
- Kick-off time: 7:30 pm IST
- Date: Saturday, 22 August
- Referee: Farai Hallam
- VAR: In use
Form:
Ipswich (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-L
Sunderland (in all competitions): W-W-W-L-L
Players to Watch
Jacob Greaves (Ipswich)
The Cottingham-born English defender will pair up with Moroccan centre-back Issa Diop. The former Hull City defender joined Ipswich back in 2024 and, since then, has cemented his place in the starting lineup. He also played a crucial role in helping Ipswich gain promotion back to the Premier League.
He will be up against Dutch striker Brobbey, who was in sublime form in the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands. A commanding and left-footed central defender, Greaves has led the backline of Ipswich very maturely over the last two years and will be keen to clinch a clean sheet.
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)
The Dutch striker from Amsterdam has plied his trade with Ajax and RB Leipzig before making a move to Sunderland in 2025. An explosive and relentless centre-forward, Brobbey played a prominent frontline role during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring a brace against Sweden.
In transition, his sudden burst makes him a constant danger on front-post runs. He will be up against a relatively young Ipswich defence and will be keen to go all guns blazing against Ipswich Town.
Match Facts
- Alex Mathie has been the highest goalscorer in this fixture.
- These two sides last met in the Premier League in 2001
- The last fixture between these two sides ended in a 2-1 win for Ipswich
Ipswich Town vs Sunderland AFC: Betting Tips and Odds
- Sunderland to win the game – 17/10 with bet365
- Brian Bobbey to score – 5/2 with bet365
- Ipswich 1-2 Sunderland – 10/1 with bet365
Injury and Team News
For the hosts, Dutch midfielder Azor Matusiwa picked up a muscle injury and is doubtful.
For Sunderland, Thomas Meunier, Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete are set to miss the next game.
Also Read: Hull City vs Manchester United Preview – prediction, team news, lineup
Head-to-Head
Total games: 57
Ipswich won: 24
Sunderland won: 24
Matches drawn: 09
Predicted Lineups
Ipswich predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Kjell Scherpen (GK); Dara O’Shea, Issa Diop, Jacob Greaves, Leif Davis; Marcelino Núñez, Florentino Luís; Abdul Fatawu, Sindre Walle Egeli, Daizen Maeda; Emersonn
Sunderland predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Robin Roefs (GK); Thomas Meunier, Luke O’Nien, Daniel Ballard, Reinildo Mandava; Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki; Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fée, Nilson Angulo; Brian Brobbey
Match Prediction
Ipswich Town have made some strong signings, and their squad looks competitive. However, Sunderland have enough experience in their team to get the better of newly promoted Ipswich.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-2 Sunderland AFC
Telecast Details
- India: JioStar and Star Sports Select
- UK: Sky Sports and TNT Sports
- USA: Peacock
- Nigeria: SuperSport via DStv
When and where is the Ipswich Town vs Sunderland AFC match?
The match will be played at Portman Road Stadium in Suffolk, UK, on Sunday, 22 August, at 7:30 p.m. IST.
Where and how to watch the Ipswich Town vs Sunderland AFC match in India?
The match can be streamed on JioStar in India
Where and how to watch the Ipswich Town vs Sunderland AFC match in UK?
The match can be streamed on Sky Sports in UK
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.