Jump To:The CoachKey PlayerLast Season's ResultsTop ScorerLessons From Last YearMost Likely To...Least Likely To...View From The StandsFixturesTitle OddsFFT VerdictCopy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterCompared with their promotion in 2024, Ipswich return to the Premier League stronger in some ways, but weaker in others.Pound-for-pound, the Tractor Boys should be a closer match for this level. They've got a stronger squad on paper, as well as the banked revenue that increases their spending capacity. However, in terms of cohesion and synergy, Ipswich are less of a sure bet.Town come up off the back of a lower base performance level in the Championship than they did two years ago, with fewer established partnerships across the park. Most importantly, they no longer have one of the most exciting young British managers around, in Kieran McKenna.Ipswich return to the Premier League as quickly as they fell from it; this time, can they survive the drop?The 40-year-old is taking a break from football to spend time with his family, and leaves a legacy that puts him just one rung below Sirs Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson in the pantheon of great Ipswich managers.Gary O'Neil comes in fresh from a decent short-term job at Strasbourg, having previously delivered Premier League survival with Bournemouth and Wolves. You may like Coventry City fought valiantly to make it back to the Premier League, but will surviving the drop prove to be an even greater task? - Coventry City 2026-27 season preview Brighton staggered to the Conference League qualification finish line last season, but will they enjoy the fruits of their labour? Brighton 2026-27 season preview Crystal Palace have raised their own standards with major trophy wins in back-to-back seasons, so how will the Eagles fare this time without the man who guided them there? Crystal Palace 2026-27 season preview Much of Ipswich's rise has been attributed to McKenna's work, with the improved structure at the club given secondary praise. Is that structure strong enough to ensure this bright era can outlast a great manager?Can 2026-27 be a continuation of a pre-existing era, rather than the start of a new one? We're about to find out.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The CoachA promotion winner as a player with rivals Norwich in 2015, Gary O'Neil follows Marcelino Nunez in switching farms. He has shown much promise in his coaching career to date, but hopes Portman Road might be the first place at which he can build something of substance.Key PlayerDara O'Shea was ever-present and instrumental in Ipswich's reliability in 2025-26. A smart defender, he grew as a leader and, at 27, will be desperate to put Premier League survival on his CV following relegation with three different clubs. Fourth time's the charm, DaraLast Season's ResultsCHAMPIONSHIP: 2nd What to read next Unai Emery's Europa League champions are the most likely non-Big 6 side to disturb the Premier League title race - Aston Villa 2026-27 season preview Brentford were on the verge of European football last time out, but can it get even better for Bees fans? - Brentford 2026-27 season preview Fulham are a side edging closer to domestic success and European qualification, but can new boss Alvaro Arbeloa get them over the line? Fulham 2026-27 season preview FA CUP: Fourth RoundLEAGUE CUP: First RoundTop ScorerJack Clarke bagged 16 in all competitions for his side last season, but will that translate into Premier League goalscoring proficiency?Lessons From Last YearSystems are more important than individuals. Ipswich had supremely gifted footballers, but collectively didn't play quite as well as they did with a squad built in League One.Take Sindre Walle Egeli. Though he outscored Erling Haaland at youth level in Norway, he is yet to shine since Ipswich bought him at 19 for a Championship-record fee.Because Jaden Philogene or Jack Clarke claim the creative freedom on the left, the right-sider must offer positional discipline and industry. Kasey McAteer and Wes Burns fit the bill better than Egeli.The individualism of Philogene or Clarke also meant the No.10 had to drop into midfield. Marcelino Nunez does that brilliantly.And so, Town's vast array of second strikers couldn't show their own qualities. O'Neil must decide who gets free rein, and who is providing balance.Most Likely To...Get Ed Sheeran singing The A Team in the dressing room if they survive.Least Likely To...Get Ed Sheeran singing Bad Habits in the dressing room if they don't.View From The StandsWords by: PHILIP HAM @twtdukLast season was slow at first, with some ups and downs to follow, but ultimately fantastic.This season will be different because Town should be better set up for survival now, with new infrastructure, additions to the recruitment team and a squad that's more attuned to this level.Our key player will be Azor Matusiwa, our midfield linchpin.The active player I'd love to have back is Tyrone Mings, to bring experience to the squad.The best thing about matchdays at our ground is the fanzone on the practice pitch behind the West Stand a great place for fans to warm up before the game.The one change I'd make at our club would be a new Cobbold Stand, as the current structure is over 50 years old. That's the next big project.The ground I'm least looking forward to visiting is St James' Park. Newcastle is a long way from Ipswich and we've not won there since 1984.A social media account to follow is Call Me Ted (@callmeteditfc), who commissioned posters for all of our Premier League games the last time we were here, and continue to produce interesting football-based art.The fans' opinion of the gaffer is underwhelmed. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the fans' preferred option. While following McKenna is an almost impossible job, O'Neil needs a good start to allay concerns.We'll finish... who knows? We'd be happy with 17th.FixturesAUGUST22 Sunderland (H)29 Man United (A)SEPTEMBER5 Liverpool (H)12 Crystal Palace (A)19 Everton (A)OCTOBER10 Fulham (H)17 Man City (A)24 Nott'm Forest (H)31 Hull City (A)NOVEMBER7 Bournemouth (H)21 Tottenham (A)28 Aston Villa (H)DECEMBER2 Coventry (A)5 Leeds (A)12 Newcastle (H)19 Brighton (A)26 Brentford (H)30 Chelsea (H)JANUARY2 Arsenal (A)6 Coventry (H)16 Bournemouth (A)23 Hull City (H)30 Aston Villa (A)FEBRUARY6 Tottenham (H)10 Arsenal (H)20 Chelsea (A)27 Brighton (H)MARCH3 Brentford (A)13 Liverpool (A)20 Crystal Palace (H)APRIL10 Sunderland (A)17 Man United (H)24 Newcastle (A)MAY1 Leeds (H)8 Fulham (A)15 Man City (H)23 Nott'm Forest (A)30 Everton (H)Title OddsIpswich Town to win the Premier League title odds: 500/1FFT VerdictFourFourTwo verdict: Ipswich Town to finish 19th.O'Neil could be an upgrade, but it's a big gear change from McKenna's quiet consistency to his outspoken interviews and streaky teams. The big question is if Town's very solid second-tier defence can step up.This feature was written in June as part of FourFourTwo magazine's legendary Season Preview issue which can be ordered here.TOPICSPremier LeagueGabriel SuttonSocial Links Navigation
