Lee Johnson’s side beat Plymouth 2-1 last time out, courtesy of goals from Dan Neil and Nathan Broadhead, but still have some injury concerns ahead of the trip to Portman Road.
Dennis Cirkin, Denver Hume and Corry Evans have all returned to training, yet the weekend’s game may come too soon for the trio.
The Black Cats have changed formation in recent weeks to cope with their injury setbacks, with several players adapting to different positions.
Here’s the side we think could start against Ipswich:
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1. GK: Anthony Patterson
The 23-year-old started every Championship fixture last season as Sunderland reached the play-offs. He now has more competition following the signing of Nathan Bishop. Photo: Frank Reid
2. RB: Trai Hume
Hume, 21, became a regular starter for Sunderland in the second half of last season and was rewarded with a contract extension earlier this summer. Photo: Frank Reid
3. CB: Dan Ballard
While West Ham have been credited with interest in the centre-back, Ballard, 23, will be keen to play regularly again after missing the end of last season with a hamstring injury. He appears to be Sunderland’s first-choice centre-back at this stage. Photo: Frank Reid
4. CB: Luke O’Nien
O’Nien wasn’t named in the squad for Sunderland’s pre-season friendly at Hartlepool due to personal reasons but should be available to face Ipswich. Photo: Frank Reid