
Date: Sunday 19th January, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm
Stadium Portman Road
Referee Samuel Barrott (England)
Goal Scorer:
Team News
Ipswich
From City future to City present - technically - Kalvin Phillips cannot play against his parent club this weekend, so McKenna should introduce Sam Morsy back into midfield alongside Jens Cajuste.
Phillips joins Conor Chaplin (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles), Axel Tuanzebe (thigh) and Sammie Szmodics (ankle) on the sidelines, but Omari Hutchinson made an unexpectedly quick return from a groin issue in midweek.
The Tractor Boys have also reinforced their attacking line with the addition of Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa on a permanent deal, and a debut for the 22-year-old on Sunday is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:
Walton; Woolfenden, Godfrey, Greaves; O'Shea, Cajuste, Morsy, Davis; Hutchinson, Delap, Philogene
Manchester City
To the surprise of few, wantaway Citizens right-back Kyle Walker was not involved in the Brentford draw after communicating his desire to leave; he is seemingly no closer to securing a move abroad but is unlikely to make an appearance at Portman Road.
The same goes for injured trio Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb (leg) and Ruben Dias (calf), while John Stones (foot) is on the verge of a comeback, but Guardiola is expected to err on the side of caution with the centre-back given his recent history of issues.
As was the case in the FA Cup pummelling of Salford City, Guardiola intriguingly sided with Matheus Nunes at right-back in place of Walker, but rotation might be necessary before the Citizens meet Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next Wednesday.
The expected arrivals of Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov will ease the burden on City's regular starters soon, but neither is expected to seal their move in time for the weekend.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Foden, De Bruyne, Doku; Haaland
Prediction: Ipswich Town 0-2 Manchester City
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