Manchester City will look to restore momentum this weekend when they welcome newly promoted Ipswich Town to the Etihad Stadium, aiming to put a difficult midweek European outing behind them. Kickoff is set for 3pm BST on Saturday, October 17, though the fixture will not be broadcast on television.

Manager Enzo Maresca finds himself in a favorable position heading into the match, with no fresh injury concerns to manage. That selection freedom gives him scope to consider tactical adjustments after City's underwhelming performance in their last outing against Paris Saint-Germain.

Erling Haaland remains the focal point of the attack and is expected to retain his starting berth up front, continuing his central role in City's forward line. Behind him, however, changes appear likely. Rayan Cherki, who was substituted at halftime during the PSG clash, is not anticipated to start this weekend, opening the door for Phil Foden to return to the side after waiting patiently for an opportunity.

On the flanks, Iliman Ndiaye and Antoine Semenyo are set to occupy the wide positions, adding pace and creativity against a side still adjusting to the rigors of Premier League football following promotion.

In midfield, youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi could be handed a chance to impress from the start after a promising cameo appearance when introduced at halftime in the previous match. His energetic showing has put pressure on the current midfield setup, and Elliot Anderson may be the player to make way to accommodate him.

At the back, there are also expected changes. Matheus Nunes looks poised to reclaim his spot at right-back following a challenging evening for Abdukodir Khusanov, who struggled against PSG winger Desire Doue in midweek action. The Uzbek defender's difficult outing has reportedly opened the door for Nunes to return to the starting lineup.

Central defenders Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi are expected to retain their places in the back line, providing continuity at the heart of the defense. However, on the opposite flank, Josko Gvardiol could drop to the bench, with Nico O'Reilly in line to start at left-back instead.

Based on the reported changes, City's predicted lineup includes Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with a back four of Nunes, Dias, Guehi, and O'Reilly. Bouaddi and Fernandez are tipped to form the double pivot in midfield, while Semenyo, Foden, and Ndiaye support Haaland in attack.

The match represents an important opportunity for City to reassert their dominance at the top of the Premier League table. As league leaders, Maresca's side will be eager to convert home advantage into three points against a Ipswich team fighting to establish itself among England's top flight.

While rotation remains a possibility given the demands of a congested fixture schedule, the current team news suggests Maresca is leaning toward a lineup that balances fresh legs with proven quality, particularly in defense and attack. The Italian coach's selection choices will be closely watched as City look to bounce back from their midweek setback and maintain their position at the summit of English football.

Based on reporting from Standard Sport.