Ruben Amorim takes charge of Manchester United for the first time this Sunday as his new side travel to Portman Road to face an Ipswich Town side on a high after a famous victory.
The Tractor Boys went into the international break having clawed their way out of the Premier League relegation zone thanks to a stunning 2-1 win away to Tottenham, but they may find the going tough against a visiting side who will be hoping for a new-manager bounce.
Team news
Defender Jacob Greaves, midfielder Wes Burns and forward Nathan Broadhead are all doubts for Ipswich, while midfield duo Chiedozie Ogbene and Jack Taylor are both confirmed absentees for The Tractor Boys.
United remain without a host of defensive injuries. Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro have all been seen in training but will not be fit to start, while Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are expected to miss out.
The stats
Bruno Fernandes has two goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.
Only Man City’s Josko Gvardiol (107) has registered more progressive passes than Fernandes (84) in the Premier League this term.
Ipswich have conceded in all five home games this season.
Their home games have seen three draws and two defeats, with the two losses 2-0 reverses at the hands of Liverpool and Everton.
Prediction
Ipswich picked up a huge win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the international break, but they may find that result hard to build on as they host a United outfit under new management.
The Red Devils have been seen training with a back three in Amorim’s first week in charge despite their continued defensive injury concerns, but they will head to Portman Road in good spirits after winning three of the four games since the departure of Erik ten Hag.
It is unclear where captain Bruno Fernandes will fit into Amorim’s system, but one thing is clear, the Portuguese midfielder cannot be dropped on current form.
Fernandes scored in Portugal’s demolition of Ireland last week to make it 15 goal contributions for club and country this season, many of which have come in the weeks since ten Hag was dismissed.
The 30-year-old has five goals and two assists in his last five outings and he is consistently among the league leaders for chances created in the top-flight.
Wolves are the only side to have conceded more Premier League goals than Ipswich this term and midfield maestro Fernandes could have a field day on Sunday.