Nico O'Reilly Betting Tips & Predictions

Man City have won all six Premier League matches under Enzo Maresca, with 16 goals scored and just five conceded to establish a three point lead at the top of the pile.

Their victory against Liverpool last weekend was perhaps their most impressive result of the season so far, as they won 3-0 with goals from Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku. Over 2.5 goals has landed in each of Man City’s last four matches across all competitions, and they were beaten 4-2 by PSG midweek in an enthralling encounter. 

The hosts come into this clash as heavy favourites but Ipswich will fancy their chances of at least finding the back of the net. The Tractor Boys beat Fulham 2-1 last weekend, and they even scored twice against Arsenal in the EFL Cup in a 4-2 defeat.

With that being said, Ipswich were penned into their own half for large parts of that game, and it is likely to be the same here. In fact, Man City will hope to dominate even more considering it is being played at the Etihad. The wingers should see plenty of the ball, which will bring corners into play. 

Man City are averaging 6.17 corners per game in the Premier League this season, clearing this line in five out of six in total. They only missed this mark with four corners against Coventry. Meanwhile, Ipswich are conceding an average of 5.17 corners per game in the league this season.

Rayan Cherki scored the third and final goal in City’s victory at Anfield last weekend, which was his fourth goal of the season.

The Frenchman has really come into his element under Enzo Maresca, and he really thrives in tight spaces - if Ipswich sit deep, Cherki will be the one consistently trying to unlock that defence. He has incredible close control, and always seems to make the right decisions in the box when under pressure. 

Cherki is averaging 3.18 shots per 90 in the Premier League this season, a figure only bettered by Erling Haaland in the City squad, and that number could rise even further after this weekend.

Nico O’Reilly picked up his first card of the season against Liverpool last weekend, which was for a late challenge. He has started just five matches under Enzo Maresca this season, but he usually does get stuck into duels when given the opportunity. In fact, O’Reilly has landed this selection in all five starts so far, despite being substituted early in three of those. 

If O’Reilly starts at left back again, he is likely to be up against Abdul Fatawu, who will return from suspension. The winger is averaging 1.76 fouls drawn per 90 this season, and he often likes to be direct and try to beat his opposing defender.

Exequiel Palacios is expected to return to the starting eleven for Ipswich this weekend, as his side could benefit with additional defensive cover in midfield.

After completing a move from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, the midfielder has had to adapt quickly - he has a lot more defensive work to get through for his new club. Because of that, he is averaging 1.48 fouls per 90 across all competitions, landing this selection in all three starts. 

Man City are drawing an average of 14.2 fouls per game in the league this season, with a majority of those concentrated in midfield. Elliot Anderson alone was fouled eight times against Liverpool last weekend, and he should occupy a similar zone of the field as Palacios.