Manchester City and Ipswich Town have both confirmed their line-ups for Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side begin their home campaign against newly-promoted Ipswich Town, and are looking to secure back-to-back Premier League wins, after a 0-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Sunday afternoon.
Manchester City extended their unbeaten streak over Chelsea after goals from Erling Haaland and former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, with the Blues now set to play their first match at the Etihad since clinching a fourth successive Premier League title in May. City and Ipswich are set to clash for the first time since January 2002, and the fixture could mark Ilkay Gundogan’s return to east Manchester, alongside providing Savinho with a home debut – following appearances against both Manchester United and Chelsea.
Manchester City re-signed Gundogan on a free transfer from Barcelona on an initial one-year contract, with the former German international having previously enjoyed an incredible seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium between 2016 and 2023. Saturday’s clash could alsp provide Liam Delap with the opportunity to come up against his former club, after the striker completed a £20 million move to Portman Road during the summer, although Kalvin Phillips is ineligible due to Premier League rules.
Ahead of kick-off at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon, here are the confirmed line-ups and squad selections for Pep Guardiola and Kieran McKenna’s respective sides!
Starting XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Savinho, Doku, Haaland.
Substitutes: Ortega Moreno, Walker, Stones, Ake, Grealish, Gundogan, Nunes, Kabore, McAtee.
Starting XI: Muric; Johnson, Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis; Szmodics, Morsy, Luongo, Hutchinson; Delap.
Substitutes: Walton, Burgess, Townsend, Edmundson, Harness, Taylor, Cajuste, Chaplin, Al-Hamadi.
Manchester City welcome Ipswich Town to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as Pep Guardiola’s side aim to keep their perfect start to the season going with minimum fuss.
City brushed aside Chelsea 2-0 on the opening weekend and with several key players set to return for this game against Ipswich, normal service has resumed for Guardiola’s side who are going for a fifth-straight Premier League title and the duo of Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland look fired up for more success.
Ipswich fought hard in the first half at home against Liverpool on opening weekend, but their first game back in the Premier League after a 22-year hiatus ended in defeat as they ran out of steam. Kieran McKenna’s side have been handed a ridiculously tough start to life back in the big time and a solid defensive display against City is their main aim.
Kick off time: 10am ET, Saturday (August 24)Venue: Etihad StadiumTV channel: PeacockStreaming: Watch live on Peacock
Sammie Szmodics, 7'; Erling Haaland 12', 15', 88'; Kevin De Bruyne 14'
A hammered strike from the Norwegian spins and skips off the turf to beat Muric.
The 23rd hat trick of the 24-year-old’s young career.
It could’ve been 7-2.
City had all nine of the game’s shot attempts after Szmodics put Ipswich in front, and the numbers do look like most would’ve forecasted heading into the game.
Shot: 9-1, City
Big chances: 4-1, City
xG: 2.56-0.23, City
Possession: 74%, City
Well, they’ll always have that moment they were ahead of City in their Premier League return.
The rest of the moments appear to belong to City.
Erling Haaland has juked past Muric to make it 3-1 off a Kevin De Bruyne assist.
Ipswich is playing out the back and it goes so wrong.
Savinho tackles former City keeper Arijanet Muric, and he pokes toward Haaland and De Bruyne.
The Norwegian defers to the Belgian, and City are ahead!
Leif Davis and Savinho are battling and Davis seems to go into the Man City player’s leg as they near the end line.
It’s initially shaken off by referee Michael Salisbury but he’s been asking to have another look (and another look and another look).
It’s an unfortunate penalty to give away but there’s definitely real contact even if Savinho was going to have trouble keeping the ball in bounds.
Erling Haaland nails his penalty. 1-1, 12th minute.
Oh my! Sammie Szmodics has put the Tractor Boys ahead of the four-time defending champions!
The first touches of the game for Ben Johnson are in the seventh minute, and they are beautiful as he slots a perfectly-timed through ball onto the path of new purchase Szmodics.
A low shot is partially-blocked by Ederson but still has some speed through his legs and gets over the line. 1-0, Ipswich!
Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Savinho, Doku, Haaland.
Muric, Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Greaves, Davis, Morsy, Luongo, Johnson, Szmodics, Hutchinson, Delap.
Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden and Nathan Ake could all be fit to start, while Rodri is working his way back to full fitness and Mateo Kovacic did a great job to slot in for him. New signing Savinho went down with a knee injury in the win at Chelsea but it seems like he will be fit for this game, while Oscar Bobb remains out for several months with a lower leg injury. Guardiola still has plenty of attacking talents to call upon and Erling Haaland scored the opener at Chelsea and looked full of energy.
The Tractor Boys have plenty of injuries to deal with but new signing Sammie Szmodics could start up front, while Kalvin Phillips won’t be available as he’s on loan from City. Ipswich will look to sit back and soak up pressure and hit City on the counter and they did it well in the first half against Liverpool last time out.
OUT: Wes Burns (thigh), Harry Clarke (calf), George Hirst (knee), Nathan Broadhead (thigh), Janoi Donacien (groin), Kalvin Phillips (unable to face parent club) | QUESTIONABLE: Arijanet Muric (calf)
This feels like it could be a bit of a cricket score. Ipswich were overrun in the second half against Liverpool and the same will happen at City as they’re worn down. Manchester City 4-0 Ipswich.
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Ⓒ 2023 NBC Universal Follow live coverage as Manchester City face Ipswich Town today in the Premier League. Reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
City are hoping to build on their impressive 2-0 victory over Chelsea last time out after goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic get the champions off to a winning start to this campaign. Pep Guardiola has re-signed Ilkay Gundogan in the hopes that his former captain can bring an added layer of stability and experience to City’s midfield but it remains to be seen if the German will feature this afternoon.
For Ipswich, their return to the top-flight ended in a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool after a solid opening 45 minutes at Portman Road. It’s another incredibly tough fixture for the newly promoted side but they will be hoping to spring a surprise of the champions.
Follow all the action from the Etihad Stadium below:
GOAL! Haaland adds his second with fine volley (MCI 3-1 IPS)
GOAL! Kevin de Bruyne puts the hosts into the lead after pressing high (MCI 2-1 IPS)
GOAL! Erling Haaland scores penalty to equalise (MCI 1-1 IPS)
GOAL! Sammie Szmodics sends Ipswich ahead (MCI 0-1 IPS)
Manchester City FC 4 - 1 Ipswich Town FC
16:57
Yellow Card Ali Ibrahim Karim Al-Hamadi
16:54
Substitution Kevin De Bruyne Matheus Luiz Nunes
16:54
Substitution Erling Braut Haaland James John McAtee
16:54
Substitution Axel Tuanzebe Samuel George Alan Edmundson
16:54
Substitution Omari Elijah Giraud-Hutchinson Conor Mark Chaplin
16:51
Goal Erling Braut Haaland
16:51
City have won a few corners in recent minutes, with De Bruyne whipping them into the box, but Ipswich have done well to clear the danger and prevent any more City opportunities.
16:50
If Ipswich can pull a goal back now it would make for a very interesting final few minutes, but Ederson has hardly touched the ball in this second half. He's had very little to do all game.
16:46
Substitution Liam Rory Delap Ali Ibrahim Karim Al-Hamadi
16:46
De Bruyne has been excellent for City today, a goal and an assist for the midfielder, who has been involved in everything in attack for the hosts, a constant threat.
16:44
As we head into the final 10 minutes of the game, it's City who lead 3-1 and despite numerous chances to extend their lead, Ipswich have held firm in this second period.
16:43
Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna is the 14th different manager whose first ever Premier League away game comes against the reigning champions. None of the previous 13 have won (D2 L11), with Mark McGhee (1-1 v Man Utd in 1994) and Claudio Ranieri (3-3 v Man Utd in 2000) the only ones to earn a point.
16:41
Ipswich manage to get the ball in the City penalty area, but it's very scrappy and no one can get a good hold of the ball, so it bounces dangerously off four or five players, before Gvardiol finally clears.
16:40
GREAT CHANCE! De Bruyne races in behind the Ipswich defence as a long ball is played through and he unselfishly tries to feed Haaland in the box, but his pass is a bit behind the striker, which allows Ipswich he chance to get a foot in. The second ball falls to De Bruyne, but he smashes it high over the bar.
16:36
Substitution Samuel Joseph Szmodics Marcus Anthony Myers-Harness
16:35
Substitution Massimo Corey Luongo Jack Henry Philip Taylor
16:35
Substitution Jérémy Baffour Doku İlkay Gündoğan
16:34
Good block! De Bruyne whips a low corner into the box, which is met by Bernardo Silva, but his effort is fired into the legs of an Ipswich defender and the visitors manage to clear the danger.
16:33
It looks like City are getting ready to make another change, with Grealish one of those getting ready on the sidelines. Gundogan could also come on to mark his return to City, following his transfer from Barcelona.
16:30
GREAT SAVE! Muric with a fantastic stop to deny Haaland his hat-trick! Ipswich fail to clear a corner and De Bruyne whips a cross in from the right wing, which Haaland meets at the back post and powers a header towards the top right corner of the net. However, Muric gets a good hand to it, to tip it over the bar.
16:27
It'll be interesting to see when the Ipswich coaching staff decide to make some changes, you'd think they would be looking at some soon as we pass the hour mark and the score remains 3-1.
16:25
Despite the scoreline, the visiting supporters are making a lot of noise in the away section of the Etihad, urging their side forward when they can get on the ball.
16:22
Yellow Card Rúben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias
16:21
Delap is perhaps a bit lucky to get away with just a warning from the referee after he dives into Bernardo Silva and catches him late. The former City striker has had a tough afternoon up front for the Tractor Boys.
16:18
Yellow Card Samuel Joseph Szmodics
16:18
City are unbeaten in their last 44 home games in all competitions (W37 D7) since a 2-1 loss to Brentford in November 2022. It’s the eighth longest such run among English top-flight clubs in history, and longest since Chelsea’s run of 74 between February 2006 and October 2008.
16:16
We haven't got up to the electric pace that we saw in the first half so far in the second period. But it's still City seeing much more of the ball and looking to extend their lead.
16:14
City have a few options on the bench to replace Kovacic, but it's Stones who comes on to replace the midfielder.
16:12
Kovacic is down on the pitch for City, he seems to be struggling with an injury after a coming together with Delap. He may have to come off, but is receiving medical treatment at the moment.
16:08
The second half is under way!
16:01
City will be confident of scoring a few more after the break, although Ipswich did manage to grow into the game towards the end of the half and had a penalty shout of their own, when Davis was brought down by Savinho, but nothing was given.
15:59
HALF-TIME: MAN CITY 3-1 IPSWICH
15:59
Ipswich took a shock lead after just seven minutes here at the Etihad, after a quick counter allowed Szmodics through on goal and he beat Ederson, who should’ve done better. However, their lead lasted just five minutes, after Savinho was brought down by Davis in the box and Haaland coolly converted the resulting penalty following a VAR check. A huge error in goal by Muric then handed De Bruyne a golden opportunity to make it 2-1 just two minutes later, which he gladly took. Before Haaland got his second on 16 minutes after racing in behind the Ipswich defence, rounding Muric and sending the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-1. City could’ve scored a few more, but the woodwork denied both Lewis and De Bruyne to Ipswich’s delight.
15:53
City fancy getting another goal before the break, they are camped inside the Ipswich half of the pitch at the moment, who surely want the half-time whistle to blow sooner rather than later.
15:53
CHANCE! City almost make it four just before the break, with Doku getting to the byline down the left wing and he pulls the ball back to De Bruyne in the six yard box. However, he fires it over the crossbar! He should've done better from there.
15:51
We're a minute into an additional five added on at the end of the first half, after the lengthy VAR check prior to the City penalty.
15:48
This is a positive end to the half for Ipswich, they are seeing a bit more of the ball in the City half. However, they can't seem to keep it for long enough to cause Ederson any problems.
15:47
PENALTY SHOUT! Ipswich this time are appealing for a penalty! They manage to work the ball into the City final third, with Davis skipping inside from the left and racing into the box. The left-back then goes down under pressure from Lewis and Savinho, with the latter barging into the back of him. However, the referee isn't interested and nothing is given.
15:43
There's not long left to play until the break now, will we see any more goals before the half-time whistle?
15:40
Into the wall! De Bruyne steps up to take a free-kick on the edge of the box, but he doesn't get enough on it and the Ipswich wall do its job well.
15:39
Morsy is shown the first yellow card of the game after he brings Savinho down in a dangerous position on the edge of the box.
15:38
Stoppage in play here at the moment as Hutchinson is down on the pitch receiving some medical treatment, but it looks like the winger should be fine to continue.
15:36
15:34
City could have scored five or six goals already here, they look excellent in attack so far today, with Ipswich struggling to keep them out of the final third.
15:34
ANOTHER OFF THE BAR! This time it's De Bruyne who strikes the woodwork! The midfielder is allowed far too much time and space on the edge of the box and he drills a superb effort towards the top right corner of the net. However, it cannons off the bar!
15:32
OFF THE BAR! Almost a fourth for City! They open up the visitors once again down the left wing through Doku and Ipswich fail to clear the danger, with the ball falling to Lewis deep inside the box. However, he can only power his strike against the crossbar! So close.
15:29
Ipswich are continuing to try and play out from the back, but City are playing with a high press and really putting them under pressure, so it is proving difficult for the visitors.
15:28
The pace of the game has dropped in the last couple of minutes after such a frantic opening period. They are keeping the ball well in the Ipswich half.
15:25
Ipswich need to regroup and try and keep the ball a bit, get their composure back after a tough 10 minutes or so. City on the other hand look in complete control.
15:25
Ipswich lost 2-0 against Liverpool in their opening match of 2024-25 – not since 2006-07 in the Championship have they started a league season with two straight defeats, while they last did so in the top-flight in 1985-86.
15:24
What an opening we've had to this game! A remarkable turnaround by City after Ipswich took a shock lead. Some questionable defending by the visitors though, they can't be happy with what's gone on.
15:19
Goal Erling Braut Haaland
15:17
Assist Sávio Moreira de Oliveira
15:16
Goal Kevin De Bruyne
15:16
CITY PENALTY! The referee takes his time watching the video replay of the incident, but after what seems like ages, he finally points to the penalty spot. City have the chance to equalise.
15:15
PENALTY CHECK! Savinho races past Davis down the left and just sneaks into the penalty area, with the Ipswich left-back just sticking out a leg and Savinho goes to ground. VAR are taking a look at this one, it looked like he got the player rather than the ball.
15:14
Penalty Goal Erling Braut Haaland
15:14
That's shocked the home support at the Etihad, the Ipswich goal has come against the run of play, but they won't mind one bit!
15:10
Goal Samuel Joseph Szmodics
15:10
Assist Benjamin Anthony Johnson
15:10
A lot of City's play is coming down the left early on, with Gvardiol playing high up the pitch in an almost winger position. They look dangerous down that side.
15:08
PENALTY SHOUT! Doku releases Gvardiol in behind the Ipswich defence down the left and he plays a low cross into the box. However, Muric manages to get a touch on it, before Greaves and Haaland battle to get to the ball first, which results in both of them on the floor and Muric gratefully pounces on the loose ball. Haaland immediately appeals for a penalty, but the referee isn't interested.
15:05
As you might expect it's City who are controlling possession early on, with Ipswich having to get everyone back behind the ball to defend in numbers. City just probing in the visitors half at the moment.
15:02
Here we go! Ipswich get is under way!
14:59
Here we go! Ipswich get is under way!
14:59
The teams are out here at the Etihad, so kick-off is just a few minutes away! Stay tuned for all the match action.
14:59
This will be Ipswich’s first ever meeting with City at the Etihad Stadium – they won their last two visits to Maine Road, winning a Premier League game 3-2 in November 2000 and a League Cup tie 2-1 the following month.
14:54
Meanwhile Kieran McKenna has made three changes to his side, with Johnson, Szmodics and Muric all coming into the starting line-up, as Walton, Burns and Chaplin drop to the bench. Delap makes his return to the Etihad after joining the Tractor Boys from City earlier this Summer.
14:49
Pep Guardiola names the same starting XI that beat Chelsea, but there is a change on the bench after City confirmed the return of Gundogan from Barcelona yesterday in time for the midfielder to take his place among the substitutes today. Rodri still isn’t up to full fitness, so he misses out.
14:46
IPSWICH SUBS: George Edmundson, Conor Chaplin, Marcus Harness, Jens Cajuste, Jack Taylor, Cameron Burgess, Ali Al-Hamadi, Conor Townsend, Christian Walton.
14:46
IPSWICH (5-4-1): Arijanet Muric; Leif Davis, Jacob Greaves, Luke Woolfenden, Axel Tuanzebe, Ben Johnson; Sam Szmodics, Massimo Luongo, Sam Morsy, Omari Hutchinson; Liam Delap
14:45
MAN CITY SUBS: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Jack Grealish, Stefan Ortega, Ilkay Gundogan, Matheus Nunes, Issa Kabore, James McAtee.
14:44
MAN CITY (3-1-4-1): Ederson; Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji; Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis; Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Savinho; Erling Haaland.
14:38
Meanwhile newly promoted Ipswich travel to the Etihad looking for their first Premier League points of the season, having been beaten 2-0 at Portman Road by Liverpool on the opening day.
14:34
Manchester City got their title defence off to a winning start last weekend, with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge thanks to a goal from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic also got on the scoresheet against his former side.
14:30
Hello and welcome to our LIVE match commentary of the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Ipswich Town at the Etihad.
13:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
