Manchester City will be looking to continue building into the new season against Ipswich Town | OneFootball

Following on from last weekend’s 2-nil win over Chelsea, Manchester City will be looking to continue building into the new season against Ipswich Town on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side will play their first home game of the season against the newly promoted side. But Ipswich Town will be determined to make an impression against the Premier League champions. It sets the scene for what could be an interesting encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

It is no secret that Pep Guardiola’s side generally begin each new season slowly. They tend to focus on grinding out results while the City players work their way into a new campaign. It is a proven recipe for success for the world champions. Speaking at the PFA Awards earlier this week Rodri addressed this fact. In an interview relayed by the Daily Mail he said: “Like always, we take it easy at the beginning. We’ve started well, but this season is going to be so long, so it’s all about creating that culture of winning.”

Despite this fact, Manchester City began the new season in impressive fashion last Sunday. They picked up a precious three points at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. It wasn’t a vintage performance from Pep Guardiola’s side by any stretch. But come the final whistle they had picked up a vital win against an opponent they had issues with last season. But this weekend’s clash with Ipswich Town provides a different challenge entirely.

Newly promoted Ipswich Town will come to the Etihad with nothing to lose. No one will be expecting them to pick up points against Pep Guardiola’s side. But based on their performances over the last two seasons that circumstance suits the Tractor Boys. Kieran McKenna’s side have been promoted in back-to-back seasons from League One. They shone in the Championship last season to earn their place in the Premier League. Under their impressive young manager and with their attractive style of play Ipswich will be looking to show that they belong in the Premier League. They did impress at times during their 2-nil defeat to Liverpool last weekend. Saturday’s clash with Manchester City does provide them with another opportunity to make a mark in the early stages of the 24/25 season.

It is a challenge that Manchester City must meet if they are going to continue to build into the new season. If Pep Guardiola’s side can pick up another three points it will be the perfect platform to shape the early stages of City’s season. While no one will be expecting Ipswich Town to take anything from their trip to the Etihad no result is a formality. But if City can pick up another three points on Saturday afternoon it will be the ideal result for Pep Guardiola’s side as they ease their way into the 24/25 season.