Meunier To Start, Talbi On The Bench | 4-2-3-1 Sunderland Predicted Lineup Vs Ipswich Town

Sunderland will clash heads with Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday as they look to secure all three points in their Premier League opener. The Black Cats managed to earn a hard-fought 2-1 win over Rennes recently, which should keep them in good spirits going into this game.

Regis Le Bris will set his men up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make one tweak to his first team for this clash. Thomas Meunier could get the nod to play from the start of this game if he can pass a late fitness test.

4-2-3-1 Sunderland Predicted Lineup To Face Ipswich Town

Defence

Robin Roefs will function in between the sticks for the Wearside club after conceding one goal in his last appearance. Luke O’Nien will operate alongside Daniel Ballard at the centre of Le Bris’ defence as they look to keep the Ipswich attackers at bay during the game.

Thomas Meunier will probably start at right-back if he can recover in time from his back injury. Reinildo Mandava will play on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will be given the license to get forward and express themselves in the final third.

Jenson Seelt and Jensen Jones will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Brian Brobbey of Sunderland in action during the pre-season friendly match between Sunderland and Stade Rennais at Stadium of Light on August 15, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Midfield

Noah Sadiki and Granit Xhaka will operate as Le Bris’s holding midfielders as they try to make life tough for the home side in the middle of the park.

The gifted trio of Nilson Angulo, Enzo Le Fee and Trai Hume will operate just ahead of them as part of Sunderland‘s attack. All three of them need to move the ball well if they want to create enough chances for the Black Cats to win this clash at Portman Road.

Chemsdine Talbi and Chris Rigg will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they await their chance to shine in the second 45 minutes if required.

Brian Brobbey will spearhead Sunderland’s attack up top. He has to find a way to be a real menace on the offensive end of the pitch.

Wilson Isidor will be named on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the final quarter if needed.