Sunderland – Ipswich : Preview & Prediction
Are we going to see Sunderland rise to the top of the Premier League this year? Having failed to do so last season during the play-offs, Tony Mowbray’s side are keen to return to the top flight in the Championship, and that means an excellent result on Matchday 1. However, the Black Cats can’t afford to play at the same level over the next 90 minutes as they did against Hartlepool in a friendly on Tuesday night (5-2 defeat), or risk a difficult Sunday. In a Stadium of Light as noisy as ever, the red and whites have all the resources they need to enjoy an exceptional day, as this special atmosphere has already turned many a match on its head. We’re counting on Lynden Gooch and his partners to pick up where they left off in mid-July in a friendly (3 wins in a row) and put the whole of Newcastle’s rivalry on the map!
Unlike their opponents on the day, the Tractor Boys have learned not to lose again during the summer preparations. On a 3-game unbeaten run (2N-1V), Kieran McKenna’s men put themselves in an excellent position to thwart the home side’s plans in normal time. Even if the task does not look easy on paper, this season’s newcomers are hoping to kick off August by surprising many observers with a victory away from home. As you’d expect, with a modicum of realism in the last 16, a positive result in the north-east of England is a real possibility.
Sunderland ended their summer preparations with 1 defeat and 1 draw.
Sunderland have won 4 of the last 5 meetings.
Ipswich are unbeaten in 3 matches, including 1 win over Leipzig.
Ipswich have scored just 1 goal in their last 5 matches.
Sunderland – Ipswich : Betting Tips
BTS/YES Odds: 2.25
