Would you believe it, the Championship is finally back! The Lads will host newly promoted Ipswich at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. This is how I think it will go…
IPSWICH TOWN
The Tractor Boys have finally returned to the Championship, with Kieran McKenna’s side finishing second in league one last season. The Northern Irish coach is adored by Town fans and has garnered a reputation for playing good football. His side were the top scorers in the whole of England last year, so they know how to find the net. Conor Chaplin was their stand out player last season, he picked up 26 goals and five assists. Those are amazing stats for an attacking midfielder.
However, with Ipswich making the step up to the Championship they have added some new players to their ranks. Striker George Hirst has made a permanent move to Suffolk, Jack Taylor has arrived from Peterborough, and highly rated Chelsea prospect Omari Hutchinson has been brought in on loan.
Many people have predicted Ipswich to challenge for the play-offs this season, so this weekend's game will be a good chance for us to see what they’re made of. Town could definitely have that new team bounce and start the season well.
SUNDERLAND
The Lads are looking to build on last season’s play-off run and hopefully win promotion to the Premier League. However, it won’t be easy and Mowbray believes that the standard of the league will rise this year. In my opinion, we shouldn’t focus too much on the rest of the league and instead take each game as it comes. If we keep winning we will get promoted, it’s as simple as that.
Seven new players have arrived on Wearside so far this transfer window, and it looks like we have added some much needed height and physicality to the side. Hopefully, Nathan Bishop will be better competition for Patto; Nectarios Triantis and Jenson Seelt have been brought in to strengthen our defence, and highly rated prospect Jobe Bellingham adds some much needed height to our midfield. Up top we have brought in Bradley Dack who brings bags of experience, so if he stays fit he could be the Amad replacement, and of course the two new strikers Luis Semedo (Hemir) and Eliezer Mayenda. The club are hoping to bring in some more forwards before the end of the window.
One thing that gives me confidence is our team spirit. Last season it was clear to see that all the players were fighting for the badge and it was great to watch. Everyone’s talking about the quality that Leicester and Southampton have and I’ll admit on paper they both have great squads, but we don’t know how those players will gel. Having a good squad mentality is really important. For example, last season Watford and Norwich looked really good on paper, but both teams finished mid table.
MY PREDICTION
I’m going with a 2-1 Sunderland win, I’m confident that we can beat Ipswich. Pierre Ekwah is a player I’ve been really impressed with during pre-season and he will dominate the midfield battle. His size and physicality is something we were really lacking last season. Jack Clarke and ‘Hemir’ will score for us, and Freddie Ladapo will score for them. Ipswich will give it a go, but I think their style will play into our hands. I’m confident it will be a good footballing display.
