Our prediction: 19th 🟥
Expected finish: 18th–20th
Transfer window rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆ (6/10)
Why?
Ipswich Town return to the Premier League with momentum and a squad that has been strengthened in several important areas, but the challenge facing them is enormous.
The additions of Daizen Maeda, Abdul Fatawu, Issa Diop, Emersonn and Chuba Akpom give Ipswich more pace, experience and attacking options. There is enough here to suggest they can make life uncomfortable for plenty of Premier League opponents, particularly when they are able to play with intensity and attack quickly in transition.
The problem is the overall level of the squad. Ipswich may have improved, but so have many of the teams they will be trying to finish above. Over 38 matches, we believe their lack of depth and proven Premier League quality will eventually tell.
Key transfers
In: Daizen Maeda, Abdul Fatawu, Issa Diop, Emersonn, Chuba Akpom.
Out: Conor Chaplin, Ashley Young, Conor Townsend.
Maeda looks particularly well suited to a team that may spend significant periods without the ball. His pace, relentless pressing and ability to attack space could make him one of Ipswich’s most important weapons.
Fatawu provides another direct threat, while Diop brings valuable Premier League experience to the defence. Akpom gives Ipswich another option through the middle and will be expected to contribute goals.
The departures are manageable, but Ipswich still look as though they need further strengthening before the window closes.
Strengths
- Strong team spirit
- High work rate
- Dangerous on the counter-attack
Ipswich will not lack energy or commitment. Their ability to play at a high tempo should give them a chance of unsettling teams that expect to dominate possession, while the pace they now possess in attacking areas could make their counter-attacking game particularly dangerous.
AdvertisementThat may prove crucial away from home, where Ipswich are unlikely to control many matches but should still have opportunities to attack space behind opponents.
Weaknesses
- Lack of Premier League quality in key areas
- Limited squad depth
- Could struggle defensively against the league’s top sides
The concern is what happens when Ipswich cannot turn games into high-energy contests. Premier League opponents are much better at playing through pressure, and mistakes that went unpunished in the Championship are far more likely to result in goals at this level.
Depth is another significant issue. The first-choice XI should be competitive, but injuries and suspensions could expose a considerable drop in quality.
Key player
Daizen Maeda
Maeda could be crucial to Ipswich’s survival hopes. His speed gives them an immediate outlet when they win possession, while his work without the ball should fit naturally into a side that will need to press aggressively and defend from the front.
If he can add consistent goals to those qualities, Ipswich will have a much better chance of staying up.
Player to watch
Abdul Fatawu
Fatawu has the pace and one-on-one ability to trouble Premier League defenders. He gives Ipswich unpredictability in wide areas and could become one of their most important attacking players if he adapts quickly.
What they still need
Ipswich could still use another Premier League-level defender and greater depth in central midfield. Adding another reliable source of goals would also make a significant difference, because survival sides cannot afford to become dependent on one or two attacking players.
Verdict
There is plenty to like about the way Ipswich have approached the summer. They have added speed, experience and attacking threat rather than simply relying on the squad that earned promotion.
We nevertheless think the Premier League step will prove just too large. Ipswich should compete hard, cause some upsets and remain in the survival battle for a significant part of the season, but their lack of depth and defensive vulnerability leave very little margin for error.
We have them finishing above Hull City, but not quite doing enough to escape the bottom three.
Our prediction: 19th.