Ipswich Town's Premier League return kicks off this Saturday with a home fixture against Sunderland, as reported by Athlon Sports. The match at Portman Road starts at 3 p.m. local time, which is 10 a.m. ET for viewers in the United States.
Ipswich earned direct promotion by finishing second in the Championship last season, amassing 75 points from 41 games with a record of 21 wins, 12 draws, and 8 losses. Their strong recent form of LWWDW saw them score 71 goals while conceding 42, ending the campaign 11 points behind champions Coventry. This marks their first top-flight match since the 2024/25 season, when they were relegated after finishing 19th.
What are the confirmed starting lineups?
Manager Kieran McKenna has selected Kjell Scherpen in goal for Ipswich Town's Premier League opener. The defensive line consists of Leif Davis, Jacob Greaves, Issa Diop, and Dara O'Shea. The midfield trio is Sasa Lukic, Marcelino Nunez, and Julio Enciso, supporting an attacking front three of Daizen Maeda, Emersonn, and Abdul Fatawu. You can view the full squad for the season on our dedicated page.
Sunderland, entering their second consecutive Premier League season after a 7th-place finish last term, start Robin Roefs in goal. Their back four features Reinildo, Daniel Ballard, Luke O'Nien, and Thomas Meunier. Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka, and Enzo La Fee form the midfield, with Nilson Angulo, Brian Brobbey, and Trai Hume leading the attack.
How can fans watch the match?
The traditional 3:00 PM Saturday blackout rule means the match will not be televised live in the United Kingdom. For fans in the United States, the game is available for viewing on NBCSN Extra and via the Peacock streaming service. This provides the primary broadcast options for supporters following the club's long-awaited top-flight comeback.
What is the recent form of both teams?
Ipswich Town concluded their pre-season preparations with a perfect record, winning their last four friendly matches. Their final tune-up was an impressive 4-2 victory over Bundesliga side Union Berlin. This positive momentum follows a successful league campaign where they demonstrated a potent attack, reflected in their +29 goal difference. Check the latest team stats for a deeper look at their performance data.
Sunderland also approach the match in good form, having won their last three pre-season friendlies. Their most recent outing was a 2-1 home win against French Ligue 1 club Rennes. Their 7th-place finish last season was strong enough to secure qualification for the Europa League, adding another competition to their schedule.
What is the history between these sides?
The two clubs last met on January 13, 2024, in a Championship fixture at Portman Road. On that occasion, Ipswich Town emerged with a 2-1 victory. That result is part of the recent history as both teams now compete at a higher level, with Sunderland having established themselves in the Premier League a season earlier. The current standings show the competitive landscape they are re-entering.
This opening match represents a significant test for Ipswich's renewed top-flight status. A positive result against an established side like Sunderland would provide an immediate confidence boost. The fixture list ahead is demanding, and starting well at home is important for building early-season momentum. The team's pre-season form and solid defensive structure from last year's promotion push will be key factors.
