Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester City could line up for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town.
Ilkay Gundogan could potentially be signed by Premier League champions Manchester City in time to face Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The 33-year-old midfielder has agreed to leave Barcelona after just one season at Camp Nou and has already arrived in Manchester to finalise his return to Man City, where he spent seven successful seasons under Pep Guardiola.
It seems unlikely that Gundogan would be thrown straight into the starting lineup should his return be completed before Saturday, while there is uncertainty over whether fellow midfielder Rodri – who missed last weekend’s 2-0 win over Chelsea and first-team training on Wednesday – will be involved.
One player who remains sidelined is Oscar Bobb who recently underwent surgery on a fractured leg, but summer signing Savinho – who came off at half time on his debut against Chelsea with a minor knee issue – should be fit to feature against Ipswich after taking part in training this week.
England trio Kyle Walker, John Stones and newly-crowned PFA Player of the Year Phil Foden all began as substitutes against Chelsea following an extended summer break, but they have all trained and should be in contention to start on Saturday.
Mateo Kovacic capped a standout midfield display with a goal against his former club Chelsea and he could continue in the ‘Rodri role’ if the Spaniard is not deemed fit to start, while Rico Lewis will also be hoping to maintain his place in the first XI after an impressive performance at Stamford Bridge.
Erling Haaland marked his 100th Man City appearance with his 91st goal for the club last time out and is expected to lead the line once again against Ipswich, while Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are also set to feature in the starting lineup.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne; Bernardo, Foden, Doku, Haaland
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