The 2026/27 Premier League campaign is right around the corner. Arsenal are aiming to defend their title, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all trying to take it.
For AFC Bournemouth, it’s a season like no other. Andoni Iraola has left the Cherries and taken over at Liverpool, whilst Marco Rose is entering his first season in English management, bringing his experience of European football to the south coast.
For the first time in 127 years of football, the Cherries will enjoy a European campaign, entering the UEFA Europa League. That draw will take place in August, so first up, plan your calendars around the domestic campaign.
When do AFC Bournemouth meet Ipswich Town?
Ipswich Town v AFC Bournemouth – Saturday 7th November 2026*
AFC Bournemouth v Ipswich Town – Saturday 16th January 2027*
How far do the Dean Court faithful have to travel?
Distance to the 30,056-capacity Portman Road from Dean Court? 194 miles via M25 and A12.
What happened last time out?
2 April 2025 – Having lost their last four games before the visit to south coast and were the only side in the top four divisions in 2025 without a win, Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town beat Andoni Iraola’s AFC Bournemouth 2-1 at Dean Court with two goals from Nathan Broadhead and Liam Delap.
Having been awarded a penalty but seeing it reversed by VAR earlier in the game, Evanilson scored a consolation goal in the 67th minute.
AFC Bournemouth had lost four consecutive league games at Dean Court for the first time since September 2011.
Head to Head Record
Games won: 12
Games drawn: 13
Games lost: 15
Has anything changed at Ipswich Town?
Following promotion from the Championship, his third since 2023, Kieran McKenna resigned as head coach at Ipswich Town.
McKenna had reportedly been considered as an option to replace Andoni Iraola at AFC Bournemouth, before missing out on the role to Marco Rose.
McKenna’s replacement is well known to AFC Bournemouth supporters, as it see’s Gary O’Neil return to the Premier League.
O’Neil left Dean Court in 2023, as he was replaced as head coach by Andoni Iraola. He went on to join Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he spent 16 months.
He has since enjoyed a spell with Strasbourg in France, where he led his side to the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League.
Transfermarkt value comparison (as of 24th June 2026)
AFC Bournemouth – €565.70m
Ipswich Town – €212.95m
Prediction for Ipswich Town this season?
Following their promotion from the Championship, 30-year-old Chuba Akpom has made his loan spell permanent from Ajax, as has Cédric Kipré from Stade de Reims.
Gary O’Neil will be hoping for more support from the recruitment team ahead of what is likely to be a season all about trying to avoid an immediate return to the second tier in English football.
It would be very easy to suggest they are a favourite for relegation. Maybe he can avoid an expected relegation again.
* Fixtures are subject to change due to broadcast selection from Sky Sports and TNT Sport.European fixtures in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League can also see many games moved to the Sunday 2pm slot.
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DJ
I have been a writer and website administrator on the largest AFC Bournemouth fan website for almost 25 years. Previously on a now defunct fan network and since 2005 on vitalfootball.co.uk We have been nominated for various fan website awards down the years, however we have always been the bridesmaid…