Ipswich Town's brutal start to their Premier League return does not get any easier, with arguably the toughest fixture of the season away at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City's Premier League unbeaten streak at home stretches back to November 2022 so it will be an uphill battle for the Tractor Boys.
The Blues proved they can compete at the highest level, going toe-for-toe with Liverpool in the first half last weekend. However it was a game of two halves, as the Reds proved their quality and exploited the holes in the hosts' backline, eventually coming out comfortable 2-0 winners.
Manchester City on the other hand were very convincing in a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge despite, missing key midfield enforcer Rodri.
Both teams have been active in the transfer market this week. City have re-signed experienced midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free from Barcelona. The Tractor Boys have also been busy, announcing the signing of Jens Cajuste on loan from Napoli whilst deals for Armando Broja and Jack Clarke, from Chelsea and Sunderland respectively, are due to be announced imminently.
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Limiting Erling Haaland?
Back-to-back Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland will be relishing the prospect of facing the newly promoted Blues. He opened his account for the season on matchday one vs Chelsea and will be hungry for more.
Jacob Greaves and Luke Woolfenden impressed on the opening day against Liverpool but Haaland's movement will make it a tough afternoon for the new Town centre back pairing. Not to mention Haaland has averaged a goal a game consistently throughout his short career so far.
It is likely Kieran McKenna will set up more defensively this time around and if he looks to set up in a 3-4-2-1 shape, the three centre-backs will give the Blues an extra man up against the Norwegian stalwart.
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Can Ipswich provide a threat on the counter attack?
Town only had 38% possession against Liverpool and you would anticipate that number to be even lower against a City team that averaged 65% last campaign. Pep Guardiola is the master of control so the Tractor Boys must be effective in possession and compact out of it.
The Blues' best opportunity to get any joy against the Champions is through attacking transitions. Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap's runs in behind could cause a threat to City's high line. Also, Omari Hutchinson has the ability to unlock defences and impressed against Liverpool.
However, there are doubts over whether Ipswich will be able to get high enough up the pitch to inflict any damage. The boys from Manchester will make the Blues chase shadows for the majority of the game so Town will have to be smarter in the press or it is likely they will tire very quickly.
The Blue Army had 2 or 3 half chances that they failed to convert against Liverpool which should give them confidence going into the City game. However, if any chances do come they will have to be more clinical in their decision making.
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How aggressively will Kieran McKenna look to set up?
Kieran McKenna will always look to set up his teams positively and play on the front foot as proven against the Reds. However, it will be interesting to see if he sets up more defensively and looks to show Manchester City respect.
Teams who sit back against City very rarely hold out for the full 90 and it is not in McKenna's nature to park the bus which may rule out the possibility of a low block.
Last December, Ipswich went to Elland Road and looked to play their normal attacking brand of football. However, Leeds destroyed the Tractor Boys in attacking transitions and they were hit for four. City are a level above and one of the world's best so it is important McKenna looks to find the right balance.
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Familiar faces return to the Etihad
Three of Ipswich's nine signings so far this summer have had a previous association with City. High-profile defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips will miss out on the fixture because he is unable to play against his parent club.
Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of Liam Delap, so much so that City added a buy-back clause in the signing. Delap started the season in strong fashion against the Reds and was a real nuisance.
Arijanet Muric missed out on the opening day of the season with a calf injury but he will be relishing the prospect of making his competitive debut against his previous employers of four years.
