Ipswich Town host Osasuna at the Colchester Community Stadium on Wednesday evening kicking off at 7.45pm, in their first public preseason friendly of the summer. Ipswich secured an immediate return to the Premier League by finishing second in the Championship on 84 points last season, although promotion was followed by managerial change, with Gary O'Neil replacing Kieran McKenna.
Osasuna narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga, finishing 17th on 42 points after losing six of their final seven league matches and surviving on goal difference alone. Their underlying numbers painted a far stronger picture, though. An xPTS total of 51 would have placed them comfortably clear of danger, leaving them nine points below expectation, the biggest underperformance of any side in the bottom half.
Osasuna arrive in England after opening preseason with a 2-0 victory over Racing de Santander on Friday, Luis Miguel Ramis marking his first match in charge with a comfortable win. Raul opened the scoring before Iker Munoz added the second after Rosier had been forced off injured. The fixture forms part of a week long training camp in England, with Osasuna based at Norwich City's Avant Training Centre before concluding the trip against Norwich later this week.
Ipswich have also enjoyed a busy summer both on and off the pitch ahead of life back in the Premier League. The headline arrival is Brazilian forward Emersonn from Toulouse in a deal worth £23 million, while Abdul Fatawu has joined permanently from Leicester City for £20 million.
Japan international Daizen Maeda has arrived from Celtic, Issa Diop has strengthened the defence following his move from Fulham and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen has signed from Volendam. Cedric Kipre and Chuba Akpom have also completed permanent moves after successful loan spells last season.
Preparations have included a training camp in La Manga, finishing with a behind closed doors fixture against FC Cartagena after earlier results saw Ipswich beat Southend United 2-0 and draw 2-2 with Cambridge United at Playford Road.
Kayne van Oevelen and Abdul Fatawu joined the squad once their transfers were completed, while Emersonn has trained throughout preseason. Christian Walton and Sammie Szmodics both missed the Spain trip through injury, while George Hirst and Ali Al-Hamadi remain on extended breaks following their involvement at the World Cup.
How the bookies view it
At the time of writing there are no odds available for this fixture.
Head to head: Second preseason friendly between these two
These clubs have met only once before, in a preseason friendly in 2004, leaving little historical data of any relevance.
Player to watch: Abdul Fatawu
Abdul Fatawu looks set for his first appearance in front of Ipswich supporters following his permanent move from Leicester City.
The Ghana international started 43 of his 44 league appearances last season, contributing nine goals and seven assists while registering 112 shots and 28 on target.
His willingness to attack defenders was reflected in 188 crosses and 75 fouls won across the campaign, numbers that underline both his creativity and his ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas. This fixture offers an early opportunity to see how quickly he settles into Gary O'Neil's side.
Predicted line ups
Osasuna (4-3-3): Aitor Fernandez; Benito, Herrando, Torro, Ruben Garcia; Moncayola, Moro, Mauro; Bonel, Jimenez, Bretones.
Ipswich Town (4-3-3): van Oevelen; Furlong, Greaves, O'Shea, Davis; Humphreys, Barbrook, Fatawu; Clarke, Emersonn, Mehmeti.
Anything else catch the eye?
Osasuna's final league position arguably understates the level of their performances last season. Their xPTS total suggests they should have finished comfortably above the relegation battle, and Ramis has already made a positive start with victory in his first game as head coach.
Ipswich, meanwhile, have invested heavily after securing promotion and are beginning to shape a squad capable of competing back in the Premier League.
With both sides still integrating new signings and several players unavailable following the World Cup, this feels more like an opportunity to build fitness and tactical understanding than chase a result. Even so, the visitors appear stronger than their final league position suggests, while Ipswich are still adapting to a new manager and several significant additions. It would be no surprise if this proved a competitive contest despite its preseason status, with Osasuna capable of providing a sterner examination than many supporters might expect.
Ipswich Town vs Osasuna Betting Tips & Predictions
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