After being humbled in a gargantuan UEFA Champions League tussle in midweek, Manchester City make a swift return to Premier League action to take on Ipswich.
Match News and Current Form
Manchester City’s phenomenal start to the season was halted on Wednesday as they were beaten 4-2 by reigning European champions PSG in their first game at the Etihad since being found guilty of over 100 rule breaches by the Premier League. They’ve had no such issues in the league this term though, as last weekend’s 3-0 win away at Liverpool maintained their 100% winning start to the campaign (W6) - not since 1897/98 have they won their opening seven games of a league campaign. Only two sides in Premier League history have won their first seven matches before, and given that both went on to lift the trophy, this looks like the perfect game for City to land an early psychological blow in the title race having won 28 of their last 31 Premier League games against promoted opposition (D3).
It’s been a dream start to life back in the Premier League for Ipswich, whose three wins in their opening six games (L3) are just one fewer than their tally for the entirety of their relegation campaign in 2024/25. A dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Fulham last week earned them that accolade, but building upon that on the road may be problematic for a team whose only away win this term came against a Crystal Palace side who played over half of the game with ten men (L2). If the Tractor Boys are to pull off the unthinkable here, it may prove to be another late goal which earns them the points as all three of their league wins this term were secured via goals in the 90th minute or later.
Head-to-Head History
City won the last two H2Hs by a 10-1 aggregate scoreline, falling behind in the home game before eventually winning 4-1. Ipswich have only ever kept one clean sheet in 33 historical away games against City, with that coming way back in 1983.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Six of City’s last seven home league games produced at least 11 corners.
City have scored a pre-round league-high 11 second-half goals this term.
Ipswich have conceded a pre-round league-high four goals in the opening 15 minutes.
Only two sides have taken fewer Premier League corners than Ipswich (20) this season
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Iliman Ndiaye still awaits his first City goal, but may not have to wait too long if it comes here as six of his last eight Premier League strikes came in the first half, as did his only prior career goal against Ipswich. Zian Flemming’s Premier League scoring record surely leaves him in line for a start as nine of his 12 career goals in this division came on the road, including Ipswich’s winner away at Palace earlier this season.
Both teams seem to be close to full strength.
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Betting Analysis
With the hosts in rampant league form, backing a City win by a -2 handicap seems the obvious selection.
Author: Chris Wilson