The 2023-24 season was a disappointing one for Manchester City, as they were eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals in a penalty shootout against Real Madrid, failed to defend their title, lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup final, and only narrowly defended their Premier League title with a winning streak at the end of the season, achieving an unprecedented quadruple crown.
At the end of the season, some suggested that Guardiola should follow Klopp's example and retire at the peak of his career. There is not much difference between a five consecutive Premier League titles and four, and to win the Champions League, it takes not only strength but also luck.
In the 2024-25 season, after experiencing his first four consecutive defeats in his coaching career, Guardiola chose to extend his contract with Manchester City until 2027. However, over the next month or so, there was no improvement, and Manchester City only won one game.
During this period, there were rumors that Haaland had put a stop to his contract renewal with Manchester City, as he had lost confidence in the team, and his potential new club was either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
By the end of 2024, in the 19th round of the Premier League away, Manchester City finally won a game with a 2-0 victory over Leicester City. Entering 2025, in the 20th round of the Premier League, Manchester City won a big 4-1 victory over West Ham United at home, securing two consecutive victories. With such momentum, it may be unrealistic to think about a championship comeback, but at least securing a place in the Champions League should not be a problem!
In the third round of the FA Cup, playing at home against a League Two team, a group of substitutes easily defeated the opponent 8-0 without much effort.
In the 21st round of the Premier League, away against Brentford, who are not particularly strong, Manchester City were held to a 2-2 draw, far from the fighting power of last season's second-half comeback.
During the winter transfer window, Manchester United is finally set to make significant investments, with the combined transfer fees of Malmoosh, Kusano, and Reiss expected to exceed 160 million euros. However, the biggest news in the football world during this transfer window is Manchester City's contract extension with Haaland until 2034, which is the longest contract in Premier League history. Haaland also becomes the first player in the Premier League to earn a weekly salary of 500,000 pounds.
Ipswich vs. Manchester City
Match Nature: Round 22 of the Premier League
Match Time: January 20, 0:30
Ipswich is a promoted team that has returned to the Premier League after 22 years. Currently, after 21 games, they have 3 wins, 7 draws, and 11 losses, ranking 18th in the Premier League table and in the relegation zone, tied on points with Wolves outside the relegation zone but at a disadvantage in goal difference.
Ipswich still has a chance to avoid relegation, but the situation is already very severe.
Manchester City, after 21 games, has 10 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, accumulating 35 points and ranking eighth in the Premier League table, 15 points behind the top Liverpool, a considerable gap, and 3 points less than fourth-placed Newcastle, just one game's difference. With Manchester City's strength, if they perform normally, securing a top-four finish should not be a problem.
Ipswich has 3 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Manchester City has 4 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
In the last three encounters between the two sides, Ipswich has 2 wins and 1 loss, holding the upper hand.
In this match, Manchester City is more worthy of being favored!