Ipswich Town Team News Page 3 - Soccer

Abdul Fatawu - Six crosses during win Fatawu generated six crosses (two accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland.

Impact Fatawu sent in six crosses during Saturday's win over Sunderland. The forward was busy throughout the match, causing issues down the flank and generally harrying the backline. His six crosses were among the highest in the match and he did that without a huge role on corners. Fatawu will need to be a big part of the attack if Ipswich want to make noise in the top flight.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Marcelino Nunez - One corner in win Nunez had one shot (zero on goal) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 victory versus Sunderland.

Impact Nunez took a corner and shot to open the season with all three points against Sunderland. He wasn't overly involved, but still it was a nice opening win. It's going to be difficult for Ipswich back in the top flight, especially against some of the top teams, so taking all three points in matches such as this will be crucial. Nunez made 36 appearances last season and should be a major factor in the top flight.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Daizen Maeda - Single shot Saturday Maeda recorded one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland.

Impact Maeda took a single shot and sent in a pair of crosses during Saturday's win. His end product was generally wasteful neither his shot nor crosses were accurate, but he still had passable volume. It's going to be hard for Ipswich to get much of the ball throughout the season, so Maeda will need to be efficient in the chances that fall his way.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Jack Clarke - Scores winning goal Clarke scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Sunderland.

Impact Clarke was the hero for Ipswich Town in this game, as the speedy winger found the back of the net in the 90th minute to give his side the three points in their return to the Premier League. Clarke should continue to be an option off the bench given the amount of depth and options Ipswich have in the final third.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Sasa Lukic - Assists in win Lukic assisted once to go with two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland.

Impact Lukic provided one assist during Saturday's win over Sunderland. The midfielder got involved straight away with his new club and made a difference taking all three points to open the campaign. It's an excellent start to life with Ipswich, as this is the sort of match where all three points could be crucial.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Julio Enciso - Assists, subbed off injured Enciso was subbed off due to injury in the 71st minute of Saturday's 2-1 win versus Sunderland. He assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal) and one chance created before...

Impact Enciso had been one of Ipswich Town's standout performers before exiting before the injury cut his afternoon short. The 22 year old has a lengthy injury history, including a knee issue that sidelined him for much of last season, so any muscle complaint will be watched closely. Ipswich will hope it is not serious given how much they are relying on him as a focal point of Gary O'Neil's attack, and his availability for the next match should become clearer once the club provides an update.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Florentino Luis - Not available for opener Luis is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Sunderland.

Impact Despite optimism from Gary O'Neil that Luis was fit and would be involved, he has been left out of the squad after missing the last friendly. He had been expected to start after being cleared of his injury, but the reason for his absence is not yet known and could be precautionary. His next realistic chance to feature will be Sunday's match against Manchester United.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Abdul Fatawu - Starts the opener Fatawu is in the starting XI for Saturday's game against Sunderland.

Impact Fatawu was absent from Ipswich's final preseason friendly for undisclosed reasons, but the manager eased concerns over his availability for the opener. The new signing is back in the starting XI immediately and is expected to hold down the right-wing role as Ipswich look to avoid relegation.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Florentino Luis - Available vs. Sunderland Luis (undisclosed) will be available for Saturday's game against Sunderland, according to manager Gary O'Neil. "Luis [is] fine and will be involved."

Impact Luis wasn't in the squad for Ipswich's final friendly against Union Berlin on Aug. 15, but the central midfielder isn't dealing with any injury and will be an option for Saturday's clash against the Black Cats. With Azor Matusiwa (undisclosed) and Jack Taylor (knee) out, Luis could find himself in the starting lineup for this EPL opener.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Abdul Fatawu - Will be involved Saturday Fatawu (undisclosed) will be available for Saturday's game against Sunderland, according to manager Gary O'Neil. "Fatawu [is] fine and will be involved."

Impact Fatawu wasn't in the squad for Ipswich's final friendly against Union Berlin due to undisclosed reasons, but the manager eased concerns about a potential absence and acknowledged that the striker will be available for the opener Saturday. Fatawu featured for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and should see plenty of minutes in Town's attack even if he holds a rotational role.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Jack Taylor - Out Saturday Taylor (knee) won't be an option for Saturday's game against Sunderland, according to manager Gary O'Neil. "Azor Matusiwa and [Jack] Taylor are the only two expected to miss out. T...

Impact Taylor underwent knee cartilage surgery after the 2025/26 season, and while he's been progressing in his recovery, this game simply comes too soon for the 28-year-old midfielder. Taylor is expected to hold a rotational role in midfield this season, and with him and Matusiwa (undisclosed) sidelined, look for Florentino Luis (undisclosed) and Sasa Lukic to start in central midfield Saturday. Taylor's next chance to play will come against Manchester United on Sunday, Aug. 30.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Azor Matusiwa - Not playing in opener Matusiwa (undisclosed) won't be an option for Saturday's game against Sunderland, according to manager Gary O'Neil. "[Azor] Matusiwa and Jack Taylor are the only two expected to mi...

Impact Matusiwa underwent muscle surgery at the end of the 2025/26 season, and while he's been progressing in his return, this season opener against the Black Cats will ultimately come too soon for him. Matusiwa's next chance to feature will come against Manchester United on Sunday, Aug. 30. With Matusiwa sidelined, expect Florentino Luis (undisclosed) and Sasa Lukic to start in central midfield.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Ipswich Town vs Sunderland Prediction and Betting Tips | August 22nd 2026 Newly-promoted Ipswich Town kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a game against Sunderland at Portman Road this Saturday.

AUGUST 20 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

"Will land straight away" - Darren Bent makes bold Liverpool prediction as he names his PL top 5 Former Ipswich Town striker Darren Bent has predicted Liverpool to finish in the top five in the upcoming 2026-27 Premier League season, which kicks off on Friday (August 21) with...

AUGUST 18 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Julio Enciso - Returns to Ipswich on five-year deal Enciso sealed a permanent move to Ipswich Town and signed a five-year contract with the team Monday.

Impact This will be Enciso's second stint at Portman Road, as he spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Portman Road from Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring twice in 13 appearances. He's coming off an impressive 2025/26 campaign at Strasbourg, notching 12 goals and nine assists in 42 appearances across all competitions. He should compete for regular playing time in Ipswich's midfield, and his ability to play several roles should give him a straight path toward consistent playing time.

AUGUST 17 • ROTOWIRE

Abdoul Ouattara - Completes permanent move to Ipswich Ouattara has completed a permanent transfer from Strasbourg to Premier League side Ipswich Town until 2031, the club announced.

Impact Ouattara joined Strasbourg's academy in 2018 at age 13 and progressed through the club's youth ranks before making his professional debut at 18 against Paris Saint-Germain in October 2024. The versatile defender went on to make 62 appearances across all competitions for Strasbourg, scoring five goals and adding two assists, while playing a role in the club's run to the Conference League and Coupe de France semifinals last season. Ouattara is expected to provide depth and positional flexibility for Ipswich as he makes the move to the Premier League.

AUGUST 17 • ROTOWIRE

Florentino Luis - Missing from squad, cause unclear Luis (undisclosed) is absent from Ipswich's squad for Saturday's final friendly against Union Berlin, with the reason not yet disclosed, just one week before the Premier League sea...

Impact Luis joined Ipswich this summer from Burnley following the club's relegation to the Championship, signing a five year deal after a mediocre campaign in which he started 25 of 31 appearances without a goal and just two assists. His absence from this final tune up is worth monitoring given how close the season opener is, and further clarity on the reason should emerge from the club in the coming days.

AUGUST 15 • ROTOWIRE

Abdul Fatawu - Not in squad for unknown reasons Fatawu (undisclosed) is not in Ipswich Town's squad for Saturday's final friendly against Union Berlin, for reasons that remain unknown at this stage, just one week before the star...

Impact Fatawu joined Ipswich this summer from Leicester City, bringing a productive Championship track record with nine goals in 44 games last season and a title winning campaign in 2023/24, and also featured in all four of Ghana's matches at this summer's World Cup. His absence from this final preseason tune up is worth monitoring closely given how close the season opener is, and further clarity on the reason should emerge from the club in the coming days.

AUGUST 15 • ROTOWIRE

Jack Taylor - Could return for opener Taylor is progressing well after undergoing knee cartilage surgery but could be a close call for the Sunderland match, with his status still to be decided, according to coach Gary...

Impact Taylor made 39 appearances across last season's Championship campaign, contributing two goals and four assists in an important rotational role, and his versatility across midfield gives Ipswich added flexibility, with a potential pairing alongside Azor Matusiwa in central midfield if both are fit. Taylor is expected to continue his recovery as the club determines his availability closer to the season opener.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Azor Matusiwa - Nearing return from surgery Matusiwa is progressing well after undergoing surgery for a muscle injury but could be a close call for the Sunderland match, with his status still to be decided, according to coac...

Impact Matusiwa was Ipswich's undisputed defensive midfield engine during last season's promotion campaign, logging 3,862 Championship minutes with a goal and three assists, and his tackling and positional discipline make his eventual return an important boost. Matusiwa is expected to continue his recovery as the club determines his availability closer to the season opener.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Jaden Philogene - Not yet ready to return Philogene has not featured in preseason yet but is back in training and expected to be in and around the squad soon, according to coach Gary O'Neil, per EADT. "He's back training t...

Impact Philogene's absence had previously been attributed to a hamstring injury, though it comes amid swirling transfer speculation surrounding his future this summer. He was Ipswich's most important attacking figure last season, contributing 12 goals and two assists across 35 Championship appearances, a performance level built on blistering pace and elite dribbling that has drawn attention from top-six Premier League clubs. Philogene is expected to continue working his way back into full training as preseason winds down.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Sasa Lukic - Signs with Ipswich Lukic has signed with Ipswich Town from Fulham through the summer of 2030, according to the club. Manager Gary O'Neil said "Having played nearly 100 games in the Premier League, he...

Impact Lukic made 106 appearances across all competitions for Fulham after joining in January 2023, helping the club finish safely in midtable across three full seasons, and previously spent seven years at Torino, making 168 appearances with 14 goals following his rise through Partizan Belgrade's academy. The 29 year old Serbia international has earned 62 caps for his country, including appearances at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, and now brings that experience to Ipswich's midfield.

AUGUST 8 • ROTOWIRE

Florentino Luis - Signs with Ipswich Luis has completed a transfer to Ipswich Town from Burnley, according to his new club.

Impact Luis is on his way back to the Premier League following Burnley's demotion back to the Championship, as he signs with newly promoted Ipswich. He is coming off a mediocre season last campaign, starting in 25 of his 31 appearances, but only earning two assists and no goals. He signed a five-year deal with his new club, so he could be around the club for years to come, hoping he can help them keep their status in the Premier League more than he did with the Clarets.

AUGUST 4 • ROTOWIRE

Kjell Scherpen - Signs four year deal with Ipswich Scherpen signed a four year contract with Ipswich Town through 2030, joining from Royale Union Saint Gilloise, becoming the club's sixth signing of the summer, according to the clu...

Impact Scherpen made 43 appearances in all competitions for Union Saint Gilloise last season, helping the club win the Belgian Cup, after two seasons at Sturm Graz in which he won back to back Austrian Bundesliga titles and made his first Champions League group stage appearances. The 26 year old Dutch goalkeeper came through Ajax's academy before a spell at Brighton and has been capped up to U21 level for the Netherlands, along with a senior call up in 2022, and now begins the next stage of his career in the Premier League.

JULY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Issa Diop - First training session with Ipswich Diop has begun to train with Ipswich following his time at the World Cup as he attempts to win a starting role.

Impact Diop signed with Ipswich this offseason as a bolster to their defense following their promotion to the top flight, wanting to survive better than they did two seasons ago. He earned a decent reputation throughout the World Cup with Morocco and proved to be strong until their defeat, so this is a decent addition of experience to the squad, especially with his previous years in the Premier League. That said, he could be a real competition to Dara O'Shea and Jacob Greaves for a starting center-back role, potentially earning a starting role day one of the campaign.

JULY 27 • ROTOWIRE

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