Ipswich vs Sunderland — AI prediction

Kick-off: 2026-08-22

Ipswich arrive at Portman Road in excellent pre-season form, unbeaten in their last five with 10 goals scored across recent friendlies (wins v Union Berlin 4-2, Rayo Vallecano 3-0, Le Havre, Wycombe). Sunderland have stuttered with two losses in their last five (v Liverpool, Leeds) and sit 7 goals conceded in the same window. Head-to-head is level (4 wins each, 2 draws), but Ipswich's current sharpness, home advantage at Portman Road, and momentum edge gives the home side a modest edge. Both sides carry minor injury doubts (Matusiwa, Taylor for Ipswich; Adingra out for Sunderland), but neither materially shifts the balance. Early-season league uncertainty remains: no current-season league form is yet recorded.

Key factors

Ipswich: 4 wins in last 5 pre-season friendlies (vs Union Berlin 4-2, Rayo Vallecano 3-0, Le Havre 1-0, Wycombe 2-1), 10 goals scored, only 5 conceded — sharp attacking form and defensive solidity.
Sunderland: 2 losses in last 5 pre-season (Liverpool 2-4, Leeds 0-1), 7 goals conceded, lower scoring output — inconsistent preparation.
Head-to-head level since 2020 (4 wins, 4 wins, 2 draws); Ipswich 2-1 home win most recent (Jan 2024).
Home advantage: Portman Road, standard venue benefit.
Injuries: Ipswich have Matusiwa and Taylor listed as questionable; Sunderland missing Adingra (foot injury). Neither is a key player flagged in the provided context, so impact is limited.
Early season: No official league form yet (both 0 games played in 2025–26 season standings). Pre-season results are the primary signal.

Win probability

Ipswich: 38%
Draw: 30%
Sunderland: 32%

Goals & scoring

Over 2.5 goals: 52%
Both teams to score: 54%

Recent form

Ipswich: WWWWL · Sunderland: WWWLL

Standings

Ipswich: 15th in Premier League, 0 pts
Sunderland: 10th in Premier League, 0 pts

Head-to-head

Ipswich 4 · Sunderland 4 · 2 draws

2024-01-13: Ipswich 2-1 Sunderland
2023-08-06: Sunderland 1-2 Ipswich
2021-12-18: Ipswich 1-1 Sunderland
2021-11-20: Sunderland 2-0 Ipswich
2021-01-26: Ipswich 0-1 Sunderland