Manchester City take on Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon as they look to make it seven wins from seven.
Ipswich, however, are exceeding expectations thus far, occupying tenth in the league table after six matches.
Manchester City aiming to get back to winning ways
Up until the clash against two-time defending Champions League winners PSG on Wednesday evening, City had won eight consecutive matches in all competitions.
Taking three points off PSG was always going to be a tough ask, despite this strong start and Luis Enrique’s men proved why they are the best team in Europe. Indeed, the French giants raced into a 3-0 lead after just 30 minutes and the game eventually finished 4-2.
The defeat isn’t the end of the world for Enzo Maresca, with thoughts now turning to the Premier League clash against the Tractor Boys.
City won both matches against Ipswich during the 2024/25 campaign by an aggregate score of 10-1, but this tie could be tighter.
Maresca will be counting on Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki to provide the cutting edge at the Etihad. The duo have scored ten and five goals respectively this season, with the performances by Cherki particularly impressive.
The Frenchman has six goal contributions across six league matches and has found the net in back-to-back matches. Keep an eye out for him this weekend.
Ipswich have enjoyed a decent start under Gary O’Neil
Gary O’Neil might not have been the most glamourous option to lead Ipswich into the Premier League season, but he knows how to keep a club in the top flight.
Two wins from their opening four games was more than respectable, especially as the defeats against Man United and Liverpool were expected. The victory against Fulham last time out proves that the Tractor Boys have what it takes to avoid relegation this term.
Despite going behind early in the second half, O’Neil’s men didn’t panic. Right-back Abdoul Ouattara netted the equaliser in the 88th minute, before Dara O’Shea headed home the winner with just seconds left.
That result leaves Ipswich tenth in the table with nine points and while no one expects the club to take anything from the Etihad, they might well cause a surprise.
Watch out for Emersonn. The Brazilian has scored twice in the league this term and he could be a real handful for the City backline.
Team news
Man City have no new injuries concerns ahead of this clash, giving Maresca plenty of room to mix things up after the PSG defeat in midweek.
O’Neil looks set to welcome back Abdul Fatawu following his suspension and he could start on the right wing against City.
Elsewhere, the manager has a full strength squad to choose from this weekend.
Prediction
Maresca will still be hurting after the loss to PSG, which could spur his side on this weekend against Ipswich.
With a full squad to choose from, the Italian might be tempted to rotate and this could see the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Ayyoub Bouaddi coming in to the starting XI. Extra motivation may stem from the fact that should City win, Maresca will become the first manager in the Premier League era to win his first seven league games in charge of a new club.
It is hard to see Ipswich taking anything against a City side with that much strength in depth. Given their recent displays, however, they could spring a shock or two: Man City 3-1 Ipswich Town.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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