Premier League ambitions persist for Ipswich, as they aim for a swift promotion
Ipswich Town and Southampton Prepare for Clash in English Football League Championship
The 2025-26 season of the English Football League Championship is set to be an exciting one for Ipswich Town and Southampton, as both teams have undergone significant changes in the summer transfer window.
Ipswich Town's Squad Refreshed
Ipswich Town's squad for the upcoming season has been bolstered with several key arrivals and departures. The club spent around £10 million, with a net gain of £20 million primarily due to Liam Delap's £30 million move to Chelsea. New signings include David Button (free transfer), Azor Matusiwa (£10m from Rennes), Cedric Kipre (loan), Ashley Young (free), Jens Cajuste (loan), and Chuba Akpom (loan). George Hirst has been assigned the number nine shirt and is likely a key attacking player for the season. Indonesian defender Elkan Baggott was also confirmed in the squad.
Key Departures
Notably, Liam Delap left for Chelsea for £30 million. Other departures include Cameron Burgess, Marcus Harness, Axel Tuanzebe, Sam Morsy, and Massimo Luongo.
Injury Status
As of the latest sources, there is no detailed public information about specific injury concerns or unavailable players ahead of the 2025-26 season. Match reports and squad lists do not currently highlight any significant injuries affecting key players such as Jacob Greaves or George Hirst.
Southampton's Squad
Southampton's squad also boasts several new faces, with Will Smallbone and Ryan Manning being members of their squad that could face Ipswich Town. Gavin Bazunu, a goalkeeper for Southampton, has returned from an Achilles injury and is expected to compete for a starting position.
Republic of Ireland's World Cup Qualification Squad
Heimir Hallgrímsson and John O'Shea are coaches for the Republic of Ireland, and seven members of their World Cup qualification squad could play in the Ipswich Town versus Southampton match. James McClean, a forward, has joined Wrexham in the EFL Championship and is praised for his fitness and playing style.
Potential Clash of Irish Internationals
Last season, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna signed three Irish internationals: Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics, and Dara O'Shea. Ogbene, however, ruptured his Achilles tendon against Brentford on October 26th, and his status for the upcoming season is uncertain. Szmodics made his Premier League debut and scored 27 goals in the Championship for Blackburn Rovers in 2023/24, but he sustained a bad ankle injury in January.
Key Players to Watch
Leif Davis, a left back for Ipswich Town, is considered one of the best in the English Football League and a potential target for bigger clubs. Bosun Lawal, a midfielder, is compared to Der Kaiser by Stoke City manager Mark Robbins.
The Upcoming Match
Ipswich Town and Southampton will face each other in their second English Football League Championship fixture of the season. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a victory and move up the league table. With several Irish internationals potentially clashing on the pitch, the stakes are high, and the match is sure to be an exciting one for fans of both teams.
Football will be a crucial aspect of Ipswich Town and Southampton's clash in the English Football League Championship, as both teams have strengthened their squads ahead of the 2025-26 season. Ipswich Town's attack will be spearheaded by George Hirst, who has been assigned the number nine shirt, while Southampton could field Ryan Manning and Will Smallbone in their midfield. The match between Ipswich Town and Southampton promises to be a thrilling encounter, with several Irish internationals potentially feature on the pitch, adding a unique dimension to the game.
