Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City is all about theatrics. The reigning champions’ initial phase in the 2024-25 Premier League is a testament to that. Star striker Erling Haaland embarrassed Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in City’s 2-0 opening win. This came after Cucurella said Haaland would ‘tremble’ at his sight. As if this drama wasn’t enough, Guardiola’s squad re-signed former captain Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer and he left Barcelona within a year. Now, the soccer world thinks Guardiola will hand Gundogan his second City debut in Saturday’s clash against Ipswich Town.

Speaking of Ipswich, there’s a lot of intrigue on that camp as well. A day before the newly promoted side’s PL opener against Liverpool, Ed Sheeran acquired a stake in the club. Though the 4x-Grammy winner was confident against Liverpool, he thinks Manchester City would thrash Ipswich on Saturday, without giving them a chance. With so much happening on both sides, let’s see how the two teams line up at the Etihad for their second PL tie of the season.

Manchester City vs Ipswich Town: team news and injury updates

Manchester City team news: City is fresh off a 2-0 win against the mighty Chelsea side last weekend. Anyhow, Ilkay Gundogan’s return remains the biggest storyline in the Etihad camp for the time being. It’s a huge moment for the Cityzens, considering the German star had led them to a historic treble in 2023. However, Pep Guardiola’s won’t probably start the veteran against Ipswich. He could perhaps summon Gundogan from the bench.

City injuries: The reigning champions still have superstar midfielder Rodri on their injury list. Rodri took a knock during his triumphant UEFA Euro final with Spain. There’s no timeline for the Spaniard’s return.

Ipswich Town team news: Ipswich has been seeing some transfer activity, as they returned to the Premier League after 22 years. They have agreed to sign forwards Armando Broja and Jacke Clarke. But the deals are still incomplete, and if at all they arrive before the City clash, they will start on the bench, it seems.

Ipswich injuries: The newly promoted side is free of injuries, as they await the headline Man City clash this weekend.

Manchester City vs Ipswich Town: predicted lineups

Manchester City starting XI[3-3-1-3]: Ederson; Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol; Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva; Kevin De Bruyne; Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish

Ipswich Town starting XI[3-4-3]: Christian Walton; Axel Tuanzebe, Luke Woolfenden, Jacob Greaves; Ben Johnson, Massimo Luongo, Sam Morsey, Leif Davis; Sammie Szmodics, Liam Delap, Omari Hutchinson

City vs Ipswich: head-to-head

Total Games: 32

Games won by Manchester City: 17

Games won by Ipswich Town: 7

Draws: 8

The Sky Blue and the Tractor Boys last met 22 years back in an FA Cup tie. City beat Ipswich 4-1 that night. Their last PL meeting was 24 years back when the Tractor Boys won 3-2.

Where to watch City’s second PL game?

The Manchester City-Ipswich Town tie kicks off at 10 AM ET on Saturday, August 24, at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Fans can watch the match live on Fubo and Peacock.

Sound off your predictions for this headline Premier League clash in the comments below.