Ipswich Town have been a recurring nuisance in City's story, and not always a welcome one.

The clubs renew acquaintances this weekend, which brings to mind a handful of afternoons that have stuck in the memory — one glorious, one grim, and a few that were simply fun.

Power's moment at Villa Park

Start with 1981. Sir Bobby Robson had Ipswich chasing a league title and a UEFA Cup, with a treble in their sights. City, captained by Paul Power, met them in an FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.

Power settled it in extra-time, curling a free-kick past Paul Cooper in the 100th minute to send City to the final against Tottenham. That one ended in defeat after a replay at Wembley, but the semi-final remains the fixture that first comes to mind for a certain generation.

Relegation at Portman Road

Twenty years later, both clubs had just won promotion and met at Portman Road. Shaun Goater put City ahead after 74 minutes. Matt Holland levelled four minutes later, and Martijn Reuser won it with five minutes left.

The loss confirmed City's relegation after a single season back in the top flight. Ipswich, to their credit, finished fifth and qualified for the UEFA Cup.

Eight months later, a point to prove

City returned to Portman Road eight months on, now in the First Division under Kevin Keegan, for an FA Cup fourth-round tie. Eyal Berkovic volleyed in Ali Benarbia's corner, Goater struck twice after the break, and Darren Huckerby completed a 4-1 win.

That City side went on to finish the season as First Division champions with 99 points and 108 league goals. The clubs then went more than 22 years without meeting.

Haaland's hat-trick at the Etihad

When they finally reconvened at the Etihad, newly promoted Ipswich led after seven minutes through Sammie Szmodics. Erling Haaland equalised from the spot, Kevin De Bruyne punished an error from former City goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, and City scored three times in three minutes and 11 seconds. Haaland completed his hat-trick late on with a low strike from outside the area to seal a 4-1 victory.

It was his 10th hat-trick for City, on only his 101st appearance.

Six of the best at Portman Road

City's next visit to Portman Road was their first in the league since May 2001. Phil Foden scored twice before half-time and set up Mateo Kovacic for another. Jeremy Doku made it four after the break, Haaland added his name to the scoresheet, and substitute James McAtee completed a 6-0 win.

It equalled City's biggest Premier League away victory. They arrived as four-time defending champions, and on this evidence Ipswich were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.