Man City line-up vs Ipswich predicted as key change made to combat frailty
Manchester City travel to Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday seeking to bounce back from their late collapse at Brentford.
Pep Guardiola's side led 2-0 heading into the final eight minutes but had to settle for a point as Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard struck in the closing stages. That result has checked City's momentum built by three successive wins ahead of their midweek draw.
They will hope to get back to winning ways against struggling Ipswich at Portman Road but remain without defensive duo Ruben Dias and John Stones. Oscar Bobb is closing in on a return to full fitness but the weekend will be too early for the young forward.
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Stefan Ortega is poised to continue in goal although he will feel he could have done better with Brentford's equaliser on Tuesday. Mathues Nunes started in the backline at the Gtech Community Stadium but it makes sense for Rico Lewis to return to the XI given the defensive frailties on show in the capital. Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol will make up the rest of the back four.
In midfield, Mateo Kovacic will continue with Bernardo Silva alongside him. Kevin De Bruyne is showing signs of being back to his best and he can play in the advanced position.
Erling Haaland, fresh from his 10 year contract, will lead the line and Phil Foden and Savinho are best placed to flank the Norwegian after their encouraging showings in midweek.
Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, James McAtee and Ilkay Gundogan could have to make do with places on the bench.
City predicted XI: Ortega, Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Savinho