Premier League: Tractor Boys Out to Spoil Haaland’s Contract Party

Ipswich Town vs Manchester City

Erling Haaland recently secured a new lucrative contract extension with Manchester City, and what better way to celebrate than to secure another Premier League victory against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday evening?

Manchester City are no longer in contention for the championship because they’re sixth in the English top-flight standings with 35 points, level with seventh-seeded Aston Villa. After a long slump, Pep Guardiola’s side has been unbeaten in its last five games across all competitions, including a 2-2 draw against Brentford last Tuesday.

On the other hand, Ipswich Town are fighting to get out of the relegation zone and maintain their top-flight status for at least one more season. Kieran McKenna’s side is the 18th seed with only 16 points and are winless in their last two league matches.

 

Talking Points

Ipswich Town have reinforced their attack

The Tractor Boys need to improve in the final third if they stay in the English top-flight next season. Kieran McKenna’s side boasts the third-worst offence in the Premier League, with only 20 goals scored while conceding 37 goals on the other end.

It would be nice if Ipswich Town have Erling Haaland as their striker. However, at least they have former Manchester City forward Liam Delap, who is doing well at Portman Road with eight league goals and two assists to lead his team this season. Kalvin Phillips, who most recently scored in Ipswich Town’s 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup third round, would like to prove his worth to Manchester City. However, he cannot play against his mother club.

Kieran McKenna will miss a host of players due to injuries, such as Sammie Szmodics (ankle), Conor Chaplin (knee), Chiedozie Ogbene (Achilles), and Axel Tuanzebe (thigh). Omari Hutchinson is upgraded to probable after shaking off a minor groin injury.

Ipswich Town fans will likely see the much-awaited debut of Jaden Philogene, bought from Aston Villa on a permanent deal earlier this month.

 

Manchester City’s defencive depth is compromised

Manchester City are off to a positive start in 2025, as they secured two wins and one draw in their first three matches across all competitions. During their short undefeated run, the Sky Blues scored 14 goals while conceding three on the other end.

The Sky Blues won’t be short of ammunition against the Tractor Boys, especially with Erling Haaland leading the way with 16 league goals. However, they will be thinner than usual at the back due to injuries.

Rodri (knee) and Oscar Bobb (leg) remain out for the long term, while Ruben Dias (calf) and John Stones (foot) are doubtful against Ipswich Town. Kyle Walker recently communicated his desire to leave the team and is likely on his way to join AC Milan. January additions Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Omar Marmoush could ease the burden on Manchester’s City regular starters soon, but not this Sunday.

 

History

Ipswich Town and Manchester City have already faced off last August. Sammie Szmodics scored in the seventh minute to put the Tractor Boys up by one goal early, but Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick and Kevin De Bruyne added one more goal to lead the comeback.

Ipswich Town have lost only one of their last 28 home league games against Manchester City (W20, D7), winning the last four in a row. Sunday marks the first time the Tractor Boys host the Sky Blues at Portman Road since a 2-1 win in 2001.

Manchester City will attempt to score a league double over Ipswich Town after last doing so in 1961-62 and 1994-95. They have won 20 of their previous 21 Premier League matches against newly promoted sides (D1) since losing 2-1 to Leeds United in April 2021.

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 odds expect Manchester City to complete a league double over Ipswich Town this weekend. Manchester City are 1.34 favourites to win, while Ipswich Town are 6.30 underdogs, and a draw is at 4.37 in the 1X2 market. SBOTOP football fans and bettors should get their fair share of Premier League 2025 highlights from this contest, with the visitors scoring more goals than their hosts.

Besides our recommended bet, you can also consider options like Over 3.00 at 1.79, Over 3.25 at 1.93, Over 3.50 at 2.16, and Total Goal 4-6 at 2.35, with Total Goal 2-3 at 2.26 as the more conservative alternative. Moreover, a Correct Score of 4-1 in favour of the Sky Blues – the result of the reverse fixture – is priced at 16.50 your bet.

   

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