The opening round of the new season brings a clash between two sides newly promoted within the past two seasons, at Portman Road on 22 August 2026. Fans in Kenya and beyond can follow the odds and pre-match action through Linebet, where the season opening meeting between these two English clubs is already drawing plenty of attention.
Team Standings
Both sides start the campaign with a fresh slate, level on zero points apiece. Régis Le Bris’s men finished seventh last term in the Premier League with a -6 goal difference, so a mid-table push this season looks realistic for Sunderland A.F.C. The Black Cats played the previous season one tier down, in the Championship.
Meanwhile Gary O’Neil and Ipswich Town F.C. will aim to build on their promotion from the second tier and avoid an instant relegation fight.
Strengths of the Rivals
Key players for the hosts include Jack Clarke and newly signed Florentino Luís, as the Tractor Boys will rely on quick wing play and dangerous set pieces in order to create chances. The visitors look better stocked, with Granit Xhaka pulling the strings alongside Enzo Le Fée and Wilson Isidor.
Their riskier, higher-tempo football should test the home defence throughout the full ninety minutes.
What to Watch
Sunderland arrives in fine form, having scored 12 goals across their six friendlies this summer, good for an average of 2.0 goals per game. Ipswich impressed at home this preseason, beating Le Havre and Rayo Vallecano at Portman Road.
A key factor for the away attack is that Isidor stayed put despite strong interest from West Ham United, and his presence gives the front line an extra spark that could utlimately prove decisive.
Our Sunderland vs Ipswich Town prediction leans toward a tight, open contest in the English Premier League, with both teams likely to find the net, and perhaps more than once.