Ipswich Town and Stoke City will both be looking to continue their 100% starts to the season when they meet at Portman Road on Saturday.
Each of these sides also prevailed in the EFL Cup in midweek, and top spot in the Championship could be theirs if they win in East Anglia.
Match preview
© Reuters
Upon promotion from League One, the general consensus was that Ipswich have the potential to cement themselves back in the second tier and even put together a promotion bid.
Although it was just the first weekend of the season, the Tractor Boys showed their quality in recording a 2-1 victory at last season's playoff semi-finalists Sunderland.
A much-changed team then delivered a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers in the EFL Cup, showcasing that there is enough competition for places to justify their pre-season tag.
While Kieran McKenna will no doubt want to add further players to his squad, the foundations have been laid for a new era at the club, one which could give them a chance of ending their long stint away from the Premier League.
Ipswich will feel that they started 2023-24 with a fierce test, yet their fixtures get no easier as they meet a new-look Stoke outfit.
Alex Neil has been given the freedom to make mass changes to his Potters squad over the summer, one which was necessary after the disappointment of the last campaign.
Stoke were able to breeze past Rotherham United in their opening fixture, running out 4-1 victors, before a much-changed side edged out West Bromwich Albion in the EFL Cup.
Having had home advantage for each game, Neil will stress that there can be no complacency going forward, but this looks like a crop of players that are better equipped to last the pace in this division.
On a negative note, Neil is tasked with replacing Jacob Brown, who has left for Luton Town after contributing 30 goals and eight assists during his 141 appearances for the Staffordshire club.
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Barring any injury issues, Ipswich should line up with the same side that started the victory at Sunderland.
Nathan Broadhead was left out of the squad in midweek having missed a chunk of pre-season, but last weekend's man of the match is in line to feature on the left flank.
With goalkeeper Christian Walton sidelined for the foreseeable future, Vaclav Hladky will deputise between the sticks in his place.
As a result of Brown moving to Luton, Neil will be forced into at least one alteration with one of Chiquinho, Wesley or Dwight Gayle expected to come into the side.
The rest of the team may stay the same, with 16-year-old Sol Sidibe dropping back down to the bench after making his first start in the senior ranks on Tuesday.
Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Hladky; Donacien, Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Luongo; Burns, Chaplin, Broadhead; Hirst
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Travers; Hoever, Rose, Wilmot, Stevens; Pearson, Laurent; Chiquinho, Johnson, Vidigal; Mmaee
We say: Ipswich Town 1-1 Stoke City
While Ipswich are the narrow favourites for this contest, Stoke have put together a squad capable of a promotion push this year. With that in mind, we feel that a competitive draw is the most likely outcome, one which neither side will turn down.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
