Expect Ipswich to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Scherpen in goal and a back four of Davis, Diop, O'Shea and Greaves. Núñez and Lukić sit as the double pivot, with Maeda, Clarke and Emersonn buzzing behind Egeli. O'Neil wants to press high and use Clarke's direct running to get in behind. The problem? That leaves space between the lines, and Sunderland have the tools to exploit it.

Sunderland's predicted 4-3-3 is built to control the middle. Roefs starts in goal, with Meunier, Ballard, O'Nien and Reinildo across the back. Xhaka anchors, Sadiki and Le Fée push on, and the front three of Hume, Talbi and Brobbey give them width and a focal point. This is a side that can dominate possession or sit in a mid-block and hit on the break. Le Fée's vision, Xhaka's range, Brobbey's hold-up play — it's a midfield dogfight Ipswich might lose.

The key battle is in the half-spaces. Ipswich's full-backs will want to push on, but that leaves gaps for Sunderland's wide runners. If Clarke doesn't track back, the home side could get carved open. Sunderland's set-piece threat, with Ballard and O'Nien attacking the ball, adds another layer. This has the feel of a game where the away side controls the tempo and picks Ipswich off.