Manchester City will continue their defense of the Premier League title by visiting Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.
A straightforward performance on paper against the newly-promoted bulldozers, Man City can’t even breathe a sigh of relief as they hunt for a fifth consecutive title in the English top flight. They made no mistakes in their first league game, beating Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge with little fanfare.
Pep Guardiola is embarrassed by the fortunes in his squad but may have to do without the brilliant Rodri on Saturday. Summer signing Savinho also faces a race against time for a suitable transfer at the weekend after impressing at Stamford Bridge.
Here’s how Man City could face Ipswich.
GK: Ederson – With speculation over his future now quashed, Ederson can focus firmly on Man City. The Brazilian remains part of Guardiola’s plans, although he almost gave Chelsea a goal last weekend after wasting a routine shot.
RB: Kyle Walker – Rico Lewis impressed during Walker’s recovery at Euro 2024 but it could be time for the veteran defender to return to the Man City line-up now that he is back in the fold.
CB: Ruben Dias – The Portuguese made no mistake against Chelsea last time out and needs to maintain those high levels with John Stones returning to the team.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Always a classy operator for Man City, the Swiss full-back may be asked to step into midfield at times against Ipswich. It’s a job he has done successfully in the past against weaker sides.
LB: Josko Guardiol – The former RB Leipzig man enjoyed an impressive first season at the Etihad and is now a confirmed starter at left back for the Cityzens. He impressed against Chelsea in his battle with Cole Palmer.
DM: Bernardo Silva – With Rodri probably sitting out, Silva could be asked to work in a deeper role by Guardiola. He had a good chat with Kevin De Bruyne last weekend and prided himself on the ability to play anywhere the champions have.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – Kovacic was the star performer against his former employers Chelsea last time out, crowning a superb performance with a well-taken goal late in the game.
RW: Savinho – For those who haven’t seen Savinho play, now they know exactly what the Brazilian is all about after his inspiring and high-energy performance at Chelsea. A few knocks make him a doubt for Saturday but he should show up.
AM: Kevin De Bruyne – A generally good display against Chelsea last weekend spells trouble for an Ipswich side unfamiliar with the midfielder’s brilliance. It will be important to carve out visitors.
LW: Jeremy Doku – If Doku could add some product to his game, he wouldn’t stop. A relentless runner against Chelsea, he caused Malo Gusto all sorts of problems with his blistering pace and sharpness.
ST: Erling Haaland – The Scandinavian giants already have their first Premier League goal of the season and this is the kind of performance that screams for the two-time golden boot winner.
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