Man City Fixtures: The Key Games That Will Define Their 2026 Campaign

Introduction: Why Man City’s Fixtures Matter

Manchester City’s fixture list has become a focal point for football fans as the 2025-26 season unfolds. Currently sitting second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Arsenal after 20 matches, every upcoming game carries enormous weight in determining whether Pep Guardiola’s side can reclaim the title they relinquished last season.

City are competing in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and UEFA Champions League this season, entering the latter for the 15th consecutive season, making their fixture congestion a critical factor in their pursuit of silverware across multiple competitions.

Recent Form and Upcoming Challenges

City’s recent form has been concerning for their title ambitions. A 0-0 draw away to Sunderland on New Year’s Day halted their winning momentum after 8 consecutive victories in all competitions, before a 1-1 home draw against Chelsea on 4 January saw City drop further ground in the title race. Most recently, City drew 1-1 with Brighton at the Etihad, with Erling Haaland’s penalty cancelled out by Kaoru Mitoma’s low drive.

City’s next fixture is against Exeter City on 10 January 2026 in the FA Cup, before attention turns back to their league campaign and European commitments.

Defining Fixtures Ahead

The month’s defining fixture arrives on 17 January at Old Trafford for the Manchester derby, a match that carries significance beyond three points. This historic rivalry could prove pivotal in shaping City’s psychological momentum.

Beyond the derby, the February trip to Anfield and April encounter at Arsenal represent the domestic pivots that will likely determine the destination of the Premier League trophy. Meanwhile, the Champions League knockout phase, beginning potentially in February and extending through May, creates the congestion challenge that has undermined previous quadruple attempts.

Conclusion: A Season-Defining Schedule

Manchester City’s fixture list presents both opportunity and peril. With Arsenal setting the pace at the top of the table, Guardiola’s squad faces a relentless schedule across multiple competitions. The upcoming Manchester derby, combined with crucial clashes against Liverpool and Arsenal, will test City’s depth and resilience. How they navigate this challenging fixture calendar in the coming months will ultimately determine whether they can add more silverware to their illustrious trophy cabinet or endure another season of disappointment.