Both sides are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, which sets up a fascinating midfield dogfight. Ipswich's predicted XI — Scherpen in goal, a back four of Davis, Diop, O'Shea and Greaves, a double pivot of Núñez and Lukić, with Maeda, Clarke and Emersonn behind Egeli — is built for O'Neil's attacking philosophy. Maeda is the key creative force, a Japanese international who scored 79 goals in 212 games for Celtic. He'll knife through the half-spaces between Sunderland's lines. Jack Clarke, a former Sunderland man, will be desperate to prove a point on the left wing. But that attacking intent leaves gaps, and Sunderland's 4-2-3-1 is designed to exploit exactly that.

Sunderland, under Régis Le Bris, are a side that presses high and trusts their technical quality. They'll look to win the second balls in midfield and release their wide runners into the space behind Ipswich's full-backs. The Black Cats' double pivot will sit deep, screening the back four, and look to spring quick transitions. Ipswich's high line could be their undoing — Sunderland's forwards have the pace to get in behind. Set pieces could also be a factor; both teams have aerial threats, but Sunderland's organisation from dead balls, honed in their debut season, gives them a slight edge. Expect a game that opens up after the first goal, with Sunderland happy to sit in a low block and hit on the break.