Ipswich Town Begin New Era Under Gary O'Neil Against Sunderland

Ipswich Town Begin New Era Under Gary O'Neil Against Sunderland

Newly promoted Ipswich Town open their season against Sunderland at Portman Road on Saturday, August 22 (3pm kick-off), in what will be Gary O'Neil's first competitive match in charge.

Team News

Ipswich head into the fixture following a summer of change. Long-serving manager Kieran McKenna resigned over the summer for family reasons, with O'Neil brought in as his replacement. Sunderland retained key players Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey despite transfer interest, and added experience with the free-transfer signing of Thomas Meunier.

Context

Ipswich secured promotion by finishing second in the Championship with 84 points, sealing their return to the top flight on the final day of the season. Sunderland qualified for this season's Europa League following a standout debut Premier League campaign.

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