Manchester City could hand a second debut to Ilkay Gundogan for the home visit of Ipswich Town.

The midfielder is widely expected to seal a remarkable return to the Premier League champions, just a year after guiding the club to an historic Treble and then leaving to join Barcelona.

A season at Camp Nou was far from a failure under head coach Xavi, but the new manager Hansi Flick is reportedly keen to get Gundogan off the wage bill and Pep Guardiola is seemingly more than happy to oblige.

Gundogan last played for Barcelona on August 12 so is not lacking match fitness, and could be named on the bench for the visit of Kieran McKenna’s side. He will need to be registered by midday on Friday, August 23 to be included in the matchday squad the following day.

Elsewhere, Phil Foden is pushing for a start after coming off the bench at half-time of the win over Chelsea. He replaced the impressive Savinho, who picked up a knock. Jeremy Doku could also make way, with Jack Grealish hoping for a chance.

Rodri is not expected to be fit to start but could also take a place on the bench. Erling Haaland will lead the line again.

Predicted Manchester City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, De Bruyne, Kovacic, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland, Doku

Doubts: Rodri, Savinho

Injured: Bobb

Time and date: 3pm BST on Saturday, August 24, 2024