There were further signs of Manchester City’s mistake when they let go of a two-goal lead at Brentford on Tuesday night.
The Bees’ late performance at Gtech didn’t come as much of a surprise given what we’ve seen from Pep Guardiola over the past few months. This was not a result that will interfere with a Premier League title, but which saw them lose momentum in their quest to secure a place in the top four.
The Cityzens travel again this weekend and Guardiola could welcome several injured stars back into his matchday squad.
Here’s how City could stand in Ipswich.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ortega has generally been solid between the sticks, but Wednesday night wasn’t his best work. Ederson could be considered again, but it seems Pep will keep his faith in the German.
RB: Rico Lewis – With Kyle Walker out, Matheus Nunes has been used sporadically at right back in recent weeks. However, there should be a rotation on Sunday with the new Lewis returning to the team.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The Swiss defender will certainly be considered at right-back if City bring back Ruben Dias and John Stones. For now, Akanji will continue to be at the heart of City’s defence.
CB: Nathan Ake – Dias has returned to training and could be back in the matchday squad on Sunday. However, the Portuguese defender is likely to be saved for next week’s trip to Paris, allowing Ake to start again.
LB: Josko Guardiol – Guardiola could offer Guardiola a break by using Lewis at left-back and keeping Matheus Nunes in defence. The Croatian has been extraordinary this season, but the alternatives are below optimal. Hello, Andrea Cambiaso?
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – Gundogan and Mateo Kovačić managed to mitigate Rodri’s absence in the base of the midfield, with Guardiola struggling to find the optimal formula for avoiding opponents in transition.
RM: Bernardo Silva – The old reliable doesn’t seem to be letting up, and only two City players have racked up more Premier League minutes than Silva.
AM: James McAtee – Kevin De Bruyne still has it and is likely to be rested ahead of the momentous clash with PSG. So the door could be open for McAtee, the hat-trick hero last weekend, to get a very rare Premier League start.
AM: Phil Foden – After a muted first half of the 2024/25 season, Foden has come alive in recent weeks. Englishman was on a double in West London on Wednesday.
LM: Jeremy Doku – Savinho has been excellent on his ‘natural’ flank, but Guardiola has alternatives. Doku or Jack Grealish could get the nod in East Anglia.
ST: Erling Haaland – Haaland helped City overcome their early deficit in the reverse fixture, and there was surely no better way celebrate a major contract extension but by returning to the score sheet at Portman Road.
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