Fulham made the most eye-catching signing of the summer when they splashed £11m on Ross McCormack from Leeds - a statement of their intent to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. The Scottish hitman netted 28 times in 43 appearance for a very average outfit last season and provided he is given the ammunition should be deadly for his new side.
Felix Magath won three Bundesliga titles and although he was unable to keep Fulham up last season his squad is packed with proven pedigree in midfield and attack such as Scott Parker, Alexander Kacaniklic, Hugo Rodallega and Bryan Ruiz. Of the 20 players who departed, defensive stalwart Brede Hangeland will be missed most but if they can overcome his loss at the back the Cottagers should be strong contenders to win promotion straight back to the top division.
Mick McCarthy's Ipswich side enjoyed a decent campaign finishing ninth last season. The more optimistic of their fans felt that had star striker David 'McGoaldrick' not succumbed to injury during the run-in they could even have sneaked into the play-off spots.
McCarthy has made a couple of useful summer purchases in winger Cameron Stewart and Jonathan Parr and a successful season seems to be expected in Suffolk. The loss of highly-rated left-back Aaron Cresswell to West Ham is a blow though. Also onboard is Balint Bajner, a striker signed after being released by Borussia Dortmund, who could be anything.
An unbeaten pre-season saw Town draw at home to West Ham before wins over lower league opposition such as Southend, Colchester and Gillingham.
-
Ipswich won the last meeting 1-0 at Portman Road in the Premier League in January 2002.
-
Town are unbeaten in the last nine meetings in all competitions, winning five. Fulham's last win was 10-1 at Craven Cottage in the old Division One on Boxing Day 1963 - their biggest-ever win and Ipswich's joint-heaviest defeat.
-
Ipswich have won the last five meetings at Portman Road in all competitions. Fulham's last win there was 1-0 in the old Division One in March 1963.
-
Ipswich have lost just one of their last four games on the opening day, winning two and drawing one. Their only defeat since 2009 was 2-1 at Reading in the Championship last season.
-
They won only one of their final four games of last season in the Championship. Their only win was 2-1 against Sheffield Wednesday at home on the final day.
-
Fulham are unbeaten in their last five games on the opening day, winning three. Their last defeat was 2-1 at Hull in the Premier League in August 2008.
-
The Cottagers did not win any of their final four games of last season in the Premier League, losing two. Their last win was 1-0 against Norwich at home on 12 April.
-
The Whtes conceded 85 league goals last season - the most in the Premier League.