Ipswich - Sunderland

Top-flight football returns to Portman Road as Ipswich Town host Sunderland for this matchday 1 encounter on 22 August 2026. Both sides enter the campaign with significant gaps in their squads, as the hosts look to navigate the opening day without the services of Abdul Fatawu, Azor Matusiwa, and Jack Taylor. Sunderland face their own defensive challenges, with both Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete sidelined through injury, forcing their expected XI to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League.

History suggests a closely contested affair, with the two sides frequently trading results in recent seasons. Their last meeting in the Championship on 13 January 2024 saw Ipswich Town secure a 2-1 victory, mirroring the result from the reverse fixture earlier that season. With no recent form to lean on, both teams will look to rely on established tactical foundations as they seek an early advantage in the standings.