Squad information checked: 1 August 2026
Ipswich have transformed their attack following promotion.
Daizen Maeda and Abdul Fatawu have joined an existing group containing Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene, while Emersonn and Chuba Akpom increase the options at centre-forward.
The recruitment creates exciting FPL possibilities and serious minutes uncertainty.
Ipswich attacking options
| Player | Primary role | FPL appeal | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daizen Maeda | Left attacker or striker | £5.5m midfielder with central-goal potential | New league and competition |
| Jack Clarke | Left winger | Proven Championship goals and direct shooting | Maeda can occupy the same side |
| Abdul Fatawu | Right winger | Creativity, dribbling and assists | Final-third consistency |
| Jaden Philogene | Wide or central attacker | Ball carrying and top-flight experience | Crowded positions |
| Emersonn | Centre-forward | Physical focal point and major investment | Adaptation |
| Chuba Akpom | Centre-forward or second striker | Experience and penalty-area movement | Competition |
| Sammie Szmodics | Midfielder or second striker | Goal instinct | Minutes |
Use the OneFPL Player Lab for the latest official positions and prices.
Provisional attacking shapes
A possible 4-2-3-1 could use Emersonn ahead of Maeda, Clarke or Philogene and Fatawu.
A possible 3-4-2-1 could use Maeda or Emersonn centrally, with Clarke and Fatawu behind.
The final formation determines which players become reliable FPL options.
1. Daizen Maeda
Maeda ranks first because he is listed as a £5.5m midfielder and can play close to goal.
His strongest routes are central runs, pressing, counterattacks, five points per goal and a midfielder clean-sheet point.
The concern is his World Cup return and competition.
Verdict: Highest current FPL upside.
Read the detailed Daizen Maeda FPL analysis.
2. Jack Clarke
Clarke scored 16 Championship goals during Ipswich's promotion season.
His direct shooting and established role make him a serious option.
The uncertainty is whether Maeda starts from the left, Clarke moves centrally or the two rotate.
Verdict: Strong watchlist player whose minutes require confirmation.
3. Abdul Fatawu
Fatawu offers one-versus-one dribbling, crosses, cutbacks and progressive carries from the right.
His strongest FPL route may be assists rather than goals.
Creative wide players at promoted clubs can play well without returning consistently, so Fatawu needs secure starts and regular penalty-area involvement.
Verdict: Best creative option, below Maeda and Clarke for direct goal threat.
4. Jaden Philogene
Philogene scored a hat-trick in Ipswich's 5-0 Championship win over Sheffield United last season.
He has top-flight experience and can carry the ball through crowded areas.
The summer recruitment creates uncertainty over whether he starts wide, centrally or as a substitute covering several roles.
Verdict: Talented differential, but difficult to select early.
5. Emersonn
Ipswich signed Brazilian striker Emersonn from Toulouse. The official Premier League transfer overview notes that he scored six Ligue 1 goals last season.
His physical profile can make him the central focal point.
The concerns are adaptation, competition, unknown penalties and using a valuable forward slot.
Verdict: High-upside striker watch, not yet secure.
6. Chuba Akpom
Ipswich made Akpom's move permanent after promotion. He made 31 appearances during the campaign.
He can play as a number nine, second striker or central attacking midfielder.
That flexibility creates minutes but prevents a fixed FPL role.
Verdict: Useful squad player, currently behind the leading options.
Comparison table
| Category | Maeda | Clarke | Fatawu | Philogene | Emersonn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal threat | High | High | Medium | Medium-high | High |
| Assist potential | Medium | Medium | High | Medium | Low-medium |
| Position value | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Forward slot |
| Minutes security | Medium | Medium | Medium-high | Low-medium | Medium |
| Best use | Fourth or fifth midfielder | Goal differential | Creative differential | Wait | Budget-forward watch |
Opening fixture impact
Ipswich host Sunderland in Gameweek 1.
The next four are Manchester United away, Liverpool at home, Crystal Palace away and Everton away.
That schedule means any Ipswich attacker should have a planned bench route.
Use OneFPL Fixtures before selecting more than one.
Penalties and set pieces
The hierarchy is uncertain.
Monitor pre-season penalties, direct free kicks, corners, starting lineups and which attackers remain on the field late in matches.
Do not assign set-piece value based only on a player's previous club.
Safest FPL approach
Select no more than one Ipswich attacker initially.
- Choose Maeda when central minutes are confirmed
- Choose Clarke when he remains the main scorer
- Choose Fatawu when you prefer creativity
- Wait on Emersonn until he wins the striker role
- Avoid Philogene and Akpom until starts are clearer
Best by category
| Category | Current leader |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Maeda |
| Best proven Ipswich scorer | Clarke |
| Best creator | Fatawu |
| Best central-forward watch | Emersonn |
| Best high-risk differential | Philogene |
| Best long-term pick | To be decided after the final friendly |
OneFPL verdict
Maeda is currently the strongest option because the £5.5m midfielder classification can combine with a central role.
Clarke remains a serious alternative through his Championship goal output. Fatawu may become the safest creative winger, while Emersonn can lead the line if he proves first choice.
The attack is too crowded to recommend two Ipswich attackers before Gameweek 1.
Test each structure in the OneFPL Planner and review final lineups through OneFPL Team News.
FAQ
Who is the best Ipswich FPL attacker?
Maeda currently ranks first, subject to central minutes being confirmed.
Is Jack Clarke still worth considering?
Yes. His Championship scoring record is strong, but new competition must be assessed.
Will Emersonn start?
He is a major candidate, but pre-season must confirm the hierarchy.
Is Fatawu more of a scorer or creator?
His strongest FPL route is likely to be assists and wide creativity.
Should I own two Ipswich attackers?
Not initially. The schedule becomes difficult and minutes are uncertain.
Sources
- Ipswich confirm Maeda signing
- Ipswich confirm Fatawu signing
- Official summer transfer overview
- Ipswich confirm permanent Akpom deal
OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
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