Man City team news: Predicted XI vs Ipswich as Ilkay Gundogan debut decision made

Manchester City fans could be treated to the second coming of Ilkay Gundogan today (Saturday). The German is in contention to feature at home to Ipswich Town after completing a free transfer from Barcelona this week.

And manager Pep Guardiola has a tricky decision to make in terms of whether to throw his former treble-winning captain back in at the deep end. However City set up, it’s sure to be a tricky assignment for the Tractor Boys after their defeat to Liverpool last weekend.

Here, Express Sport takes you through how the reigning champions are likely to line up…

Man City’s predicted XI vs Ipswich (3-2-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Ederson

Though City’s formation can be interpreted in different ways, they morph into a three-at-the-back when in possession, and they’ll expect to have a lot of that against newly-promoted Ipswich.

City have a capable back-up goalkeeper in Stefan Ortega, but there’s little doubt that Ederson will be the man selected between the sticks at the Etihad Stadium.

Defence: Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol

Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol started in the 2-0 win at Chelsea last weekend, and the shutout at Stamford Bridge suggests they are in with a good shout of keeping their places.

Given City’s squad depth, there are always talented options pushing for minutes under Guardiola. But the likes of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Nathan Ake may have to wait a little longer before getting their chance to impress.

Defensive midfield: Lewis, Kovacic

There is a decision to be made between Rico Lewis, who would line up at right-back before stepping into midfield, and Walker, who is now fully recovered after a demanding Euro 2024. But Guardiola should reward good performances, and Lewis was exceptional going both ways against Chelsea.

Mateo Kovacic was also superb, bossing the middle of the park and netting a brilliant goal against his former club. Rodri is unlikely to be fit for Ipswich’s visit to Manchester, and though City have struggled without him in the past, they’re in capable hands with these two.

Attacking midfield: Bernardo, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Foden

Ipswich are gutsy with how they set up under Kieran McKenna, but they will inevitably spend long periods protecting their box at the Etihad, and City need a clan of technicians to break them down.

That means the tricky speedsters of Savinho and Jeremy Doku who started against Chelsea could step aside for Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden to take their places on the flanks. Kevin De Bruyne is still instrumental at 33 years old, and then there’s new signing Ilkay Gundogan.

The inclusion of Jack Grealish, Doku or Savinho could see one of Bernardo or Foden moved into the middle, but Gundogan is a perfect fit for that final midfield role, and Guardiola has already admitted that his ex-skipper will need no time to get back up to speed.

Striker: Haaland

Off to a goal-scoring start against Chelsea, Fantasy Premier League managers everywhere will hope Erling Haaland gets among the goals against Ipswich. The Norwegian netted 63 times in his first two seasons and he will be hungry for more.