Newly promoted Ipswich Town hope to get their Premier League season off to a flyer as they take on Sunderland this weekend.
Ipswich finished 2nd in the Championship with 84 points. The Tractor Boys sealed promotion on the final day of the season and will be desperately hoping they can stay up following their unsuccessful attempt two seasons ago.
They were, though, rocked by the departure of manager Kieran McKenna over the summer, who resigned due to family reasons. He's been replaced by Gary O'Neil, who has been handsomely backed in the transfer market.
There has been a clear change in strategy as far as transfers are concerned, with Ipswich targeting Premier League-ready talent with little hesitation to drop big fees. Spending has exceeded £150m and it doesn't seem to be complete, either.
Ipswich have enjoyed good results in pre-season, winning four and losing two of six games. The four wins have been consecutive after losing their first two.
The Tractor Boys averaged 1.74 goals per game last season and have made a host of attacking signings and have appointed a manager known for attacking football, so we expect them to be an entertaining side to watch this season.
Sunderland, meanwhile, come into the season off the back of one of the best debut seasons in recent Premier League history.
Sunderland finished 7th last season and will therefore compete in this season's Europa League, a huge achievement.
There is, though, concern over how they'll manage the increased demands, with the Black Cats having been quiet in the transfer market. Thomas Meunier is thus far the only incoming following Lutsharel Geertruida's loan expiring, while Eliezer Mayenda has left for Rennes.
Many are, then, predicting a major drop off in league performance for Sunderland, as we frequently seem to see in sides competing in Europe.
Their pre-season has been a mixed bag, with four wins and three defeats from seven games.
Sunderland were fairly low event last season, scoring an average of 1.11 goals per game and conceding an average of 1.26 goals per game.
The Black Cats' last five domestic away games have produced two wins, one draw and two losses, and we think they might find it tough to take all three points from this one.
Ipswich 1-1 Sunderland
