Expect both sides to line up in a 4-2-3-1, and that symmetry sets up a fascinating midfield dogfight. Ipswich's predicted XI — Scherpen in goal, a back four of Davis, Diop, O'Shea and Greaves, with Núñez and Lukić screening, and Maeda, Clarke and Emersonn behind Egeli — is built to press high and play through the lines. Jack Clarke on the left is a knife through any defence, and Maeda's movement between the lines will drag Sunderland's double pivot out of shape.

Sunderland, under le Bris, are comfortable in a low block but also dangerous on the transition. Their 4-2-3-1 will look to stay compact, absorb Ipswich's early pressure, and then hit them with quick, direct breaks. The wide areas will be crucial: Ipswich's full-backs push high, and Sunderland's wingers will look to exploit the space in behind. Set pieces could be a deciding factor — both sides have height at the back, and with O'Shea and Diop up for corners, Ipswich carry a real aerial threat.

The game state is likely to be tight and tense. Ipswich will dominate possession, but Sunderland are masters of the smash-and-grab. If the hosts commit too many men forward, they leave themselves exposed to exactly the kind of counter that Sunderland thrive on. This is a classic Premier League opener: cagey early, then opening up as the game wears on.