Both sides come into this one off the back of pre-season friendlies that tell us plenty about where they are. Ipswich hammered Rayo Vallecano 3-0 at Portman Road in early August — a statement result that will have the Tractor Boys purring. New boss Gary O'Neil has barely had time to unpack his office, but that scoreline suggests the squad has bought into his ideas already. The 4-2-3-1 shape he favoured at Strasbourg looks like it's sticking, and with the likes of Scherpen between the sticks and Egeli leading the line, there's a real blend of experience and youthful energy in this side.

Sunderland, meanwhile, edged Rennes 2-1 in their final friendly — a solid enough workout against decent European opposition. Régis Le Bris has had longer to mould this group, and it shows. The Black Cats look organised, compact, and dangerous on the break. They've got quality in the final third with Brobbey and Angulo, and the return of Thomas Meunier at right-back adds a touch of class and nous. Both teams are unbeaten in recent outings, both have momentum, and both will feel this is a winnable opener. That's the recipe for a tight, cagey affair.