Ipswich Town vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

Bottom of the league Sheffield United travel to Portman Road on Friday evening to face fellow early season strugglers Ipswich Town.

Kieran McKenna’s side were the pre-season favourites to win the Championship, but so far they’ve yet to win a game this season. Before the international break, they salvaged a point late on at home against Derby County thanks to a Jack Clarke penalty in the 16th minute of stoppage time.

The Blades have not picked up a single point, and even more concerning they’re yet to produce a good display overall. They come into this game after losing 1-0 away at Middlesbrough where they failed to register a single shot on target: something that has been an unflattering common theme through the opening weeks of the new campaign under Ruben Selles.

Transfer Business

The Tractor Boys got some decent business done in the transfer window, re-signing Jean Cajuste on loan from Napoli was a solid pick-up to boost their quality in midfield. Azor Matusiwa was another smart signing because of the athleticism and tenacity he possesses, which should bode well in the Championship. Marcelino Nunez, who joined the club directly from rivals Norwich City, should boost their creativity and ability to play through the thirds.

Meanwhile, Chuba Akpom signed on loan from Ajax, and if he can recapture the form he had at Middlesbrough a few years ago, they have a genuine 20+ goals a season striker on their hands.

Team News

Ipswich Town are set to be without Harry Clarke, Conor Townsend, Wes Burns and Cameron Humphreys on their return to action on Friday due to ongoing injury issues. Sammie Szmodics is a new injury concern after leaving international duty early with the Republic of Ireland, so his status is in doubt ahead of Friday’s kick-off.

Sheffield United received mixed news this week in terms of injury news. Tom Davies is set to return to full training next week which could see him involved in the next game. Meanwhile, Oliver Arblaster has suffered a setback in his road to recovery which could now see him for another month to two months, according to Selles.

Ipswich Town’s Impact Player For This Game

IPSWICH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 30: Leif Davis of Ipswich Town during the Sky Bet Championship match between Ipswich Town and Derby County at Portman Road on August 30, 2025 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Ipswich Town have been underwhelming so far this season, but that is more so down to the lack of composure and quality in front of goal rather than the creative aspect. McKenna’s side have created a non-penalty expected goals of 5.62 thus far (sixth-best in the Championship), on the flip side, they have registered a goals vs xG number of -3.62, this is the second-lowest in the league, with only Sheffield United having a worse stat.

Having someone like Chuba Akpom at full fitness after the international break could massively boost these numbers.

One thing is for certain, Leif Davis will remain a key threat; the attacking left-back has created eight chances already this season, with only three other players registering higher. Davis has a wand of a left foot who can deliver teasing balls into the box both from open play and from dead ball situations.

He’s also a threat with his athleticism; his burst of pace often goes unnoticed mainly because of his excellent crossing technique. This speed allows him to make darting runs deep into the opposition half, where he often has the composure to put the ball into a dangerous area.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Carabao Cup first round match between Birmingham City and Sheffield United at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on August 13, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The Blades have far from been the best team in terms of creativity this season, but they haven’t been the worst either. An xG of 4.82 has them in the middle of the pack, but it’s their poor composure that’s been alarming. Last season they had one of the composed strikers outside of the Premier League in Tyrese Campbell, and that’s been a huge difference.

While Selles’ side have not played well, neither did Chris Wilder’s team the majority of the time. The difference largely was every shot Campbell had last term, particularly in 2024, seemed to find the net. And that was the difference in close games.

Plus, United had a solid rearguard of Harry Souttar and Anel Ahmedhodzic in front of Michael Cooper. Obviously they no longer have that luxury. So far this season, the Blades haven’t actually been bad in terms of conceding high quality chances (5.53 – 13th worst), but they’re allowing a 13% conversion rate to opponents, and this has really been the deciding factor in games.

Another difference maker from last season was Gustavo Hamer, and he’ll need to sprinkle his magic on this game if the Blades are to get three points on the board. Despite playing “poorly” by fans, he has still managed to create an average of two chances per game, the same as Leif Davis. Yet, he’s yet to register an assist. Again, this goes back to the huge drop off in United’s conversion rate from last term.

With the addition of Alex Matos, this potentially hints at United moving Hamer into a higher role. There’s also the possibility of switching to a back three, after United signed a plethora of centre-backs, with a wingback system and having the likes of Louie Barry and Hamer deployed as free roaming 10’s behind Campbell.

My Prediction

It’s been a shocking start for both teams, there’s no getting away from that. But the quality these sides possess should see performances and results improve drastically over the course of this month. Particularly after having an international break to sharpen up on technical and tactical things.

I’m picking a score draw in this one, or perhaps a late winner from either team to earn a 2-1 victory.

Stats taken from Opta.