The Game​

City come into this one looking like a side that’s just survived a week of trench warfare: two matches, two emotional peaks, and two opponents who probably fancied their chances of exposing the so-called “crisis club” they’ve been reading about in the papers. Liverpool were beaten on Sunday, yet the familiar pre-match chorus had been deafening: get at City, they’re vulnerable, they’re distracted, they’re wobbling.

Funny old thing, football. All that noise, all those predictions, and then somebody actually has to play the game. City did their talking on the pitch, while the off-field saga remains exactly where it was: ongoing, unresolved, and having no say in how many goals you score over ninety minutes. A difficult concept for some, apparently.

Then came PSG, the Champions League holders, at the end of a brutal three-day double-header. PSG had the luxury of resting eight starters in their domestic league match, ensuring they arrived fresh for City. The Blues, meanwhile, had Liverpool still in their legs and another heavyweight European contest to negotiate. The first half was a tough watch as PSG took full advantage of their freshness and showed exactly why they are European champions. But City didn’t fold. They won the second half 2–1 and refused to spend the evening making excuses. It wasn’t a victory, but it was a response — and there’s a difference between being beaten by a top side and being broken by one.

Now Ipswich arrive at the Etihad, hopefully bringing more than the belief that City might be feeling a little tired. Their travelling supporters will make themselves heard, and why wouldn’t they? City are a big scalp, and everyone fancies their chances when they think they’ve spotted a weakness. The headlines suggest City might be there for the taking, so Ipswich will arrive hoping to make their own mark. The trouble is that headlines don’t defend corners, win tackles or keep Haaland quiet. City have heard plenty of noise before, and they have a habit of answering it in the language that matters most: goals.

Enzo Maresca has hinted that some players could do with a breather, and after the week City have endured, a few changes would hardly be a surprise. There are no injury concerns to cloud the picture, so rotation needn’t mean surrender. Maresca, like the man before him, is here to win football matches. Ipswich, naturally, have other ideas. That’s their job; making those ideas work against City is another matter entirely.

City will want a strong response, three points, and to remain perched at the top of the table. Ipswich will want to spoil the party. They can bring the noise, the enthusiasm and all the underdog optimism they like.