Sunderland – Ipswich

Sunderland host Ipswich in what promises to be a pivotal clash in the lower half of the table, with the Black Cats sitting 14th on four points after one win, one draw and two defeats and a modest -2 goal difference. Ipswich sit a place higher in ninth, having amassed six points from two victories but still carrying a -3 goal deficit after scoring seven and conceding ten. The two sides have yet to meet this season, but Sunderland will be desperate to close the six‑point gap and spark a revival, while Ipswich will look to extend their modest lead and keep pace with the promotion‑chasing pack. Both teams will need to tighten up at the back if they are to turn the tide on their respective campaigns.