Pep Guardiola will have several things to consider when selecting his Manchester City XI on Saturday to face Ipswich Town.
The Premier League champions began the new campaign with a solid performance away to Chelsea, even if the slightly undercooked group are not fully up to speed yet. Guardiola will hope that the rewards of an extra week’s work on the training ground will be evident against the Tractor Boys, who face City for the first time in the league since 2000.
But one player who looks set to miss out is Rodri. The midfielder has not yet returned to training since this summer’s exertions at Euro 2024, and a knock he picked up in the final has prevented the Spaniard taking part in a full session so far this summer.
Pep Guardiola said a decision will be made after Friday’s training, but even if Rodri takes part, it’s unlikely he’ll feature against Ipswich.
Savinho is also a doubt after he was replaced at half-time at Stamford Bridge last week with a knee injury. “He feels better. I don’t think he’s completely top,” Guardiola said on Friday when asked about the winger’s fitness.
“He’s been in training. We’ll see today and tomorrow what we will do with him.”
Elsewhere, Ilkay Gundogan is available after his transfer from Barcelona gained international clearance. The 33-year-old’s shock return to City brings the number of summer signings up to two.
While it’s unlikely the German will start against Ipswich, Guardiola could use the game to give minutes to those who haven’t featured regularly in the opening weeks of the season. With all that in mind, here’s the XI we think Guardiola could select on Saturday…
1. GK: Ederson
Kept a clean sheet against Chelsea last week, although he nearly gave away a goal at the end of the first half.
2. RB: Rico Lewis
Should retain his place even with Kyle Walker available. Lewis was excellent at Stamford Bridge and earned huge praise from Guardiola after the game.
3. CB: Manuel Akanji
Was rarely dropped by Guardiola in the second half of last season and should continue in the team this weekend.
4. CB: Nathan Ake
Has not started any of City's opening matches of the season, and Ipswich seems like the ideal game for the Dutchman to return. It would mean Ruben Dias dropping out and John Stones remaining on the bench.