Ipswich Town face arguably their toughest assignment of the season so far on Saturday when they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City.

Fresh from a dramatic late comeback victory over Fulham, Gary O’Neil sat down with the media ahead of the clash and touched on everything from team news and tactical plans to City’s quality and Town’s growing confidence. Here are five key talking points from the Blues boss’s latest press conference.

1. Town Could Have a Fully Fit Squad

One of the most positive aspects of O’Neil’s media briefing was an update on the injury situation. He revealed there are a couple of players who are carrying minor knocks, but he expects them all to pass fitness tests and be available for selection.

That would give Ipswich a near-fit squad to select from as they prepare for one of the toughest fixtures in English football. With the international break often raising concerns for injuries and player fatigue, it was a positive update for fans.

O’Neil also spoke positively about the situation his side finds themselves in following their Fulham victory, stressing the importance of fighting out an established Premier League side rather than sitting and waiting for openings.

2. Nobody Is Getting Carried Away

Victory over Fulham sent Ipswich up the table and well into an impressive start to the campaign. However, O’Neil warned that there was no danger of complacency taking root in the dressing room.

He also pointed out that there are a lot of fine margins in the Premier League and that he felt the conversation could have been very different if a few moments had not gone his way.

Rather than get caught up in league form or outside praise, the focus was on continuing to improve. This has been one of the main characteristics of Ipswich’s start to the campaign.

While confidence was clearly increasing, belief had not given way to arrogance, and the players headed to Manchester believing that they could get a result but being fully aware of the scale of the challenge awaiting them.

3. The Plan Isn’t To Just Sit Back

Many teams come to the Etihad Stadium with one goal in mind: to survive. O’Neil is not one of them.

While accepting that City will dominate large periods of the game, the Town boss has repeatedly pointed out that Ipswich have to threaten them at the other end. The Fulham game was a relatively even contest in terms of possession and chances. O’Neil is expecting Saturday’s game to be very different.

Defending is going to be vital, but he also knows that clean sheets against Manchester City are few and far between. That means Ipswich have to come up with ways of creating chances at the other end.

That, as O’Neil put it, requires a little patience to stay in the game, without sacrificing the principles which have brought them success this season. There might be times when it appears as if Town are settling for a draw, but that won’t be the case. The idea is to fight it out and, ultimately, win the game.

4. O’Neil Still Believes in His Group

One theme that stood out throughout the press conference was the faith that O’Neil has in his players, with the boss speaking glowingly about his starting XI and those available from the bench.

Such an area of strength has proved important this season, with late goals coming against Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Fulham. O’Neil admitted there will inevitably be tougher times during the campaign, but he has no worries about the character in the squad.

Rather, he wants Town to ensure that they are giving themselves the opportunity to win football matches, the start of which comes through the effort on the training ground during the week. The belief from the manager is that if performances are kept up, the results will come.

5. Ouattara and Emersonn Continue To Impress

Two players who stood out to O’Neil were Abdoul Ouattara and Emersonn. He admitted he always felt the Ivorian had the attributes to succeed in English football and labelled signing him as a “no-brainer”. His versatility is still one of his biggest strengths.

Whether it be at right-back, midfield or further up the park, Ouattara provides O’Neil with options in multiple positions and is expected to start against City, where he could have a tough afternoon against the likes of Jeremy Doku.

O’Neil also spoke about how he has seen Emersonn progress in a positive light. Having first become aware of the Brazilian when preparing to face Strasbourg during his time in France, he always felt there was huge potential.

Despite this, the striker has gone above and beyond during the early months of his Ipswich career. With experienced options such as Chuba Akpom and Zian Flemming pushing for opportunities, O’Neil made it clear that Emersonn knows he cannot switch off.

A Huge Test Awaits

Manchester City’s off-field business was never going to feature heavily in O’Neil’s mind. He has admitted he has paid little heed to the ongoing debate and expects City’s fans to back their team without question.

Instead, he focuses on what matters to him – the football.

City remain unbeaten in the Premier League and, despite their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, are overwhelming favourites as they head into the weekend.

Ipswich know what they are up against. But with three wins from six games and confidence growing across the board, they will go into the Etihad Stadium believing they are entitled to be on the same pitch.

If they can deliver another famous result will be seen, but O’Neil made it clear during his press conference that Town are going to Manchester to compete, rather than fill up the seats.