Manchester City have been in an incredible run of form since the turn of the year. With the Sky Blues unbeaten in 2024, they seem unstoppable and show no signs of taking their foot off the gas. The club capped off 2023 by putting in an impressive showing at the Club World Cup with two resounding victories – crowning themselves as the ‘Best Club in The World’. Manchester City made history by becoming the first English club to simultaneously hold the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Read More: CITY WIN FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP TO SECURE UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENT
The drive for success in the previous season has carried on to the current season with City adding the Super Cup and Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet. QNET is proud to be the official direct selling partner of serial winners and a club as prestigious as Manchester City. The club often serves as a shining example of consistency.
As we head into the business end of the season, the Sky Blues have their work cut out for them with some tough matchups on the horizon, not to mention the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. Let’s take a closer look at these upcoming fixtures as we draw close to the end of the 2023/24 season.
City Building Momentum in the Title Race
The Cityzens are showing no signs of relinquishing their Premier League crown, but a crucial run of fixtures in March and April will test their mettle. Man City kicked the year off with a 5-0 win over Huddersfield in the third round of the FA Cup, followed by a crucial win over Newcastle in their quest for the title. City were down two goals to one in the second half when the boss, Pep Guardiola decided to bring on club captain Kevin De Bruyne for his first game back since his injury. De Bruyne made an immediate impact, drawing them level with a long-range effort and even assisted the game-winner in added time, courtesy of another one of his sublime passes to end the game on a 3-2 win.
The club has barely put a foot wrong since the return of their captain and is yet to taste defeat in 2024. The Manchester derby was off to a rough start but an immaculate performance by club prodigy, Phil Foden ensured a convincing 3-1 victory over their noisy neighbours. Erling Haaland continued his phenomenal goalscoring form, chipping in with a goal towards the end of the game, adding to Foden’s brace.
Watch: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United | Foden Screamer & Haaland Goals | Extended Highlights
City also secured their place in the Champions League quarter finals with a comfortable win over Copenhagen over the two legs. With the competition arguably more wide open than ever, Guardiola’s experience in the competition could prove decisive in their quest for a second Champions League trophy.
Despite a recent 1-1 draw away at Anfield, Pep’s men are still very much in the title race. The game against Liverpool marks the end of a near decade-long rivalry between Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League. Guardiola has consistently seen the legendary manager’s side as the biggest challenge of his coaching career. Reflecting on his history with Klopp, Guardiola says, “He made us a better team, he made me a better manager. I wish he will be back soon, because football needs personalities like him.”
Read More: Klopp, Guardiola serve up another EPL classic but Arsenal is the big winner
The Premier League Showdown
Things are getting very tight at the top as the Sky Blues are neck and neck with Arsenal and Liverpool. The month of March promises to be a defining period for City’s ambitions. First up, is hosting a resurgent Newcastle side at the Etihad for the quarter finals of the FA Cup, where they’ll need to be wary of the Magpies’ passionate supporters and their in-form striker, Alexander Isak.
City then make a trip to Brighton, who although inconsistent, can be a force to reckon with on their day. The likes of Barcelona Loanee, Ansu Fati and Japanese winger, Kaoru Mitoma, can be a handful to deal with for any defence.
The biggest test for Man City in the Premier League will come at the end of the month as they welcome Arsenal, arguably their biggest rival in the past year. The Gunners have been scoring goals for fun in the Premier League since the turn of the year, scoring at least 4 goals in more than half their games this year. As a result of this impressive display, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal now boast the highest goal difference in the league. This match will be crucial for Man City’s title defence and a must-win game for the Sky Blues and may very well end up dictating who sits atop the Premier League table come May.
Balancing Domestic Glory and European Dreams
While the Premier League title race heats up, City can’t afford to neglect their Champions League campaign. The quarter final draw takes place soon and will determine the next test. Although the opponent remains unknown, at this stage of the competition, any club City faces will be a tough two-leg affair for which they need to bring their A-game.
Balancing the demands of both competitions will rely heavily on squad rotation and the depth of the squad. Pep needs to make sure key players like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden stay fresh throughout this gruesome run of fixtures. The entire squad will have to be rotated to tactical perfection if they hope to defend their titles.
A trip to Tottenham Hotspur, who seem to have found their rhythm under Ange Postecoglou, could also potentially be a season-defining game in the Premier League title race. With a bit of luck with injuries and continued top form from their star players, City fans can dare to dream of retaining their silverware.
One thing’s for sure, Manchester City’s remaining fixtures are guaranteed to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Join QNET in rallying behind the team and supporting them in their endeavours to give them that extra push towards the business end of the season. Can Pep Guardiola steer his team through t
