RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Sunderland predicted XI vs Ipswich: Le Bris looks to maintain Black Cats’ momentum
Sunderland begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Ipswich Town, with Regis Le Bris looking to build on last season’s success.
The Black Cats exceeded expectations by finishing seventh on their top-flight return and securing European football for the first time in more than five decades.
Now comes the difficult part for Sunderland
Sunderland must balance the demands of the Premier League with a Europa League campaign, and avoid the dreaded second-season syndrome.
Match preview
Le Bris has no intention of putting a ceiling on Sunderland’s ambitions.
The Frenchman has described the upcoming campaign as one of the most exciting in the club’s history, and his side begin determined to start positively.
Sunderland have kept much of last season’s successful squad together, with Thomas Meunier their only major addition so far. That continuity is good.
The Black Cats spent more than £150 million last summer to construct the squad that secured seventh place.
This time their biggest achievement may have been keeping captain Granit Xhaka and their other key players.
Meanwhile, Ipswich have spent more than £100m on 10 new arrivals after returning to the Premier League.
Gary O’Neil has been tasked with ensuring they avoid another immediate relegation. He knows the division well, but he is under pressure to make an immediate impact.
Ipswich lost their final nine home league matches during their previous Premier League campaign, a bad omen.
Match stats
Ipswich have lost their opening Premier League fixture in each of their last four campaigns.
Their home record during their last top-flight season was even more concerning.
On the other hand, Sunderland have won their opening league fixture in each of their last two seasons.
The Black Cats also finished last season strongly, winning their final two Premier League matches.
They are now looking to win three consecutive top-flight games for the first time since May 2014.
However, Ipswich can take confidence from the most recent meetings between the sides. They completed a Championship double over Sunderland in 2023/24.
The Tractor Boys also won their last Premier League meeting with Sunderland 5-0 at Portman Road in December 2001.
Sunderland team news
Le Bris has confirmed that the majority of his squad are available for the season opener.
Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete and Thomas Meunier have all recovered from minor injuries and are in contention.
Simon Adingra, 24, is the only confirmed absentee, with the winger sidelined by an ankle injury.
However, Le Bris admits his players are at different stages of match fitness following the summer schedule, meaning some late decisions will be made.
Sunderland predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Robin Roefs; Nordi Mukiele, Luke O’Nien, Daniel Ballard, Reinildo Mandava; Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka; Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fee, Nilson Angulo; Brian Brobbey
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