Man City vs Ipswich predictions: McKenna to stick with similar plan
- November 2022 was the last time Man City lost a home league game
- Ipswich kept Liverpool at bay until the 60th minute
- Recommended bet: Total goals first half - Under 1.5
The fixture computer could not have been more unkind to newly promoted Ipswich, who follow up their home clash against Liverpool with a trip to the Etihad Stadium.
Defending champions Man City started their campaign with a win at Chelsea and, as they go in search of a fifth consecutive league title, will expect to follow that up with a home success.
Just to highlight the task facing the visitors, Pep Guardiola's men won their last four Premier League games of last season by an aggregate score of 17-4 but may need to be more patient on Saturday.
Team news
A number of last season's regulars were left on the bench for City's win at Stamford Bridge, with a couple of those expected to start on Saturday.
Phil Foden was among the substitutes at Chelsea, replacing summer arrival Savinho at half-time and the England man looks likely to return to the starting XI.
Oscar Bobb faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a broken leg, while Guardiola will make a late decision on the fitness of Euro 2024 winner Rodri.
Ipswich played with a five-man midfield against Liverpool and are expected to set up in a similar way at the Etihad.
Former City forward Liam Delap will likely start as the lone striker, but winger Wes Burns looks set to miss out after suffering a knock in the league opener.
The stats
Man City were unbeaten at home in their 19 league games at the Etihad last season.
Arsenal were the only team to stop Man City scoring at home in the league last term.
Ipswich lost just five of their 23 away games in the 2023-24 Championship season.
Ipswich did the double over City in their last season in Premier League – winning 3-2 at Maine Road during the 2000-21 campaign.
Prediction
It is hard to see anything other than a City victory on Saturday, especially when you consider their home record in recent seasons.
Brentford were the last team to win a Premier League game at the Etihad, claiming a 2-1 success in November 2022.
City did not need to be at their best to see off Chelsea on the opening weekend and were missing several big names en route to a 2-0 success.
Ipswich impressed during the first half of their defeat to Liverpool, with their high press keeping the Merseysiders at arm's length.
The Tractor Boys ran out of steam as the game wore on and it might be a similar scenario this Saturday as they try to keep the champions at bay.
Omari Hutchison looked like their main attacking threat and he will have to make the most of rare forays forward if they are to avoid a defeat.
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