Ipswich Town have been handed a daunting start to life back in the Premier League - but how hard is it compared to the other 19 top-tier teams?
The Blues kick off their return to the top of the table with a home game against Liverpool on August 17th, before heading to mighty Manchester City, the reigning champions.
READ MORE: Town's Premier League 2024/25 fixtures in full
After that, it's a home game with Fulham, trips to Brighton and Southampton and a home clash with last season's fourth-place side Aston Villa to round out September.
On paper it looks a tricky opening six games - and, according to Sky Sports, Town's start is the fifth-hardest in the Premier League.
SIGN-UP! Get four months of ALL our Town content for just £4 - or 40% off a whole year!
They've ranked every team's six-game start according to the average league standing of their opponents last season.
Town's first six opponents boast an average position of 9.33 - meaning only four other teams face more difficult starts.
According to Sky, Wolves' start is the hardest (6.5), followed by Leicester (8.17), West Ham (8.33) and Brentford (8.67).
In contrast Town's first opponents Liverpool have the easiest start (14.83), followed by Fulham (14) and Aston Villa (13.83).
Talking about Town's opening yesterday, boss Kieran McKenna said: “It’s a fantastic start.
"These are the big challenges that we want. Of course, we’re right in at the deep end, but any game would be tough.
“Liverpool at home, at Portman Road, it’s a fantastic game to open with. Everyone’s going to be so excited.”
He added: "You can look at every game and think it’s going to be a challenge, but there’s some great opportunities in there. It’s going to be a wonderful season ahead.”
Town's opening six games
- August 17: Liverpool (H) - Third last season
- August 24: Manchester City (A) - Champions last season
- August 31: Fulham (H) - 13th last season
- September 14: Brighton (A) - 11th last season
- September 24: Southampton (A) - 24th last season (fourth in Championship)
- September 28: Aston Villa (H) - Fourth last season
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel