Manchester City took the Premier League title race down to the final week of the season in 2025/26 but they want to go one better in the new campaign. With a new manager at the helm, their objective remains the same: to win the Premier League title. To achieve that, City will have a keen focus on the games against their main rivals. It goes without saying that those matches could make or break their title tilt.
Early tests against rivals
City's first test of their title credentials will come on just the fourth matchday when the Blues travel to fierce rivals Manchester United on September 12. Pep Guardiola's men struggled at Old Trafford in January, losing 2-0 on what was Michael Carrick's first game as interim boss. While Guardiola may have left, Carrick will be in the dugout again in September having been appointed the Reds' permanent head coach.
Liverpool, with Andoni Iraola in the hot seat, will provide City's next title test on October 10 at Anfield before their first game against reigning Premier League champions Arsenal takes place on November 28 at the Emirates Stadium.
Home advantage in run-in
City won't play a potential title rival at home until December 12 when they host Xabi Alonso's Chelsea. This quirk of the fixture list could play both for and against the Blues with City knowing those big games during the run-in will mostly be played at the Etihad Stadium. The Blues' last game against a member of the 'Big Six' will be on May 8 when they host Liverpool.
Full list of key fixtures
- Manchester United (A) - September 12
- Liverpool (A) - October 10
- Arsenal (A) - November 28
- Chelsea (H) - December 12
- Tottenham Hotspur (H) - January 2
- Arsenal (H) - January 30
- Tottenham Hotspur (A) - February 10
- Manchester United (H) - March 20
- Chelsea (A) - April 24
- Liverpool (H) - May 8
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