Manchester City vs Ipswich Prediction: Take 5/1 Josko to pile pain on newcomers

Ipswich’s first away trip back in the Premier League is the ultimate test as they visit the champions Manchester City on Saturday (15:00 KO).

The Tractor Boys coped well with Liverpool for long spells last weekend but now face the ultimate test at the Etihad Stadium. Below you will find my Man City vs Ipswich prediction, featuring match odds and team news.

Football Odds

Team News

Rodri has returned to training but is unlikely to go straight into the starting eleven after a lengthy lay-off.

Phil Foden is set to replace Savinho from the start while Kyle Walker and John Stones are also up to speed, giving Pep Guardiola the option to revert to a back four if he wishes.

Oscar Bobb remains sidelined while returning midfielder Ilkay Gundogan probably won’t be involved after rejoining from Barcelona this week.

For Ipswich, Kalvin Phillips has signed on loan from City so won’t be able to make his debut against his former club. Another newcomer, Swedish star Jens Cajuste from Napoli, could be involved in midfield though more likely off the bench.

Wes Burns (hamstring) has joined George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead on the sidelines but Sammie Szmodics may expect to make his first start.

Man City vs Ipswich Odds

No surprise that Manchester City are 1/12 to beat an opponent who were playing League One football just 16 months ago.

Ipswich are a 28/1 chance. Erling Haaland scored in City’s win at Chelsea and is 4/9 to score at any time against the Tractor Boys.

Josko Gvardiol to score at any time @ 5/1 

Ipswich acquitted themselves well in part one of their baptism of fire – part two, however, might not go quite so well.

The Tractor Boys failed to land too many blows at home to Liverpool last Saturday but stood firm for an hour before conceding twice in a 2-0 loss.

Now comes an even tougher test at Manchester City, who had their business heads on when winning 2-0 at Chelsea last Sunday. And with much of the summer rust removed they are only going to get stronger.

City are 7/10 to win both halves – something they have done in seven of their last eight Premier League matches – and if you fancy Guardiola’s champs there isn’t an abundance of value.

Given how well camped inside Ipswich’s half City are going to be, and given how many set-pieces they are going to earn, maybe look at one of their threats from defence to find the net. Josko Gvardiol scored five goals for City in all competitions in the last six weeks of last season so is clearly in decent scoring form.

Sam Morsy to Receive a Card @ 8/5

Sam Morsy attempted six tackles and made five of them, the most in the match, during Ipswich’s loss to Liverpool.

The 32-year-old Egypt midfielder was busy at Portman Road and be sure he’ll be even busier at the Etihad.

He managed to avoid a caution against the Reds because he didn’t commit a single foul but having picked up 14 yellow cards in the Championship last term, he is clearly happy to take the odd one for the team.

Take Morsy to incur the wrath of referee Michael Salisbury and get his name taken.

Offers

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