Ipswich vs Manchester City Predictions

• Man City have conceded in all but four of their 21 league games this season
• The Citizens have conceded in 10 of their last 11 league trips
• Foden has scored four goals across his last five Premier League appearances

City suffer first setback of 2025

After a nightmare final quarter in 2024, Manchester City looked to have turned a corner by winning their first two matches of the New Year. However, Pep Guardiola’s side blew a two-goal lead at Brentford in midweek, dropping vital points as they chase a return to the Premier League’s top four.

City are set for some January arrivals, while Erling Haaland’s huge new contract is a real positive for the club. The forward has committed through to the end of the 2033/34 season, with his huge contract extension outstripping even Chelsea’s longest deal. Having tied himself to the club just shy of his 34th birthday – and long past Guardiola’s reign – Haaland looks to be leading City’s return to the top.

Issues for Ipswich

Ipswich have held up incredibly well for a side who were playing in League One less than two years ago. However, their survival hopes will likely depend on an improvement at home, as they’ve won just one of their first 11 games at Portman Road.

The hosts have lost five of six clashes with the top six, which includes a 4-1 loss at the Etihad in their second game of the campaign. That’s one of the rare occasions where the Tractor Boys have been blown away, but they’ll need to be more than simply competitive to clamber out of the drop zone.

Familiar failings for City

While City continue to pursue defensive reinforcements, they’ve done little to solve their problems at the back. Their issues started before Rodri was ruled out for the season, as City have managed just four clean sheets across 21 league games this season.

The Citizens have conceded in 10 of their last 11 away trips across all competitions. Guardiola’s side are uncharacteristically struggling to control games and restrict their opponents, with their underlying numbers showing their fall from grace. They’ve conceded 1.0 xG or greater in 11 of their last 12 Premier League games.

Ipswich haven’t been clinical this term, but they can exploit a City side that can’t keep their opponents quiet. Forward Liam Delap will be keen to make his mark against his former side. Ipswich have kept one clean sheet across their 11 home games, so back both teams to score.

If City’s fortunes are to turn in 2025, Phil Foden’s return to form will likely play a big part. His numbers are down from the 2023/24 season, but Foden has scored his four Premier League goals in his last five appearances. He netted twice at Brentford in midweek and he can build on that with a goal on Sunday.