Manchester City have been thrust into the thick of the “real” season after Pep Guardiola declared the opening rounds as mere “pre-season.” Despite sitting at the top of the Premier League after three matches, City now face a more grueling period as they juggle two additional competitions following the international break. The team is also set to navigate a challenging schedule, with two games in just three days due to the reshuffling of their League Cup match against Watford.
Guardiola is expected to address the scheduling issues in his next press conference, but midfielder Bernardo Silva has already labeled the fixture congestion as “absolutely absurd.” After playing four matches in 21 days, City will ramp up to seven games in the next 21 days before the next international break.
While this packed schedule could cause some turbulence for City, they do benefit from a home-heavy lineup in the coming weeks. After traveling to London for two of their first three Premier League fixtures, the Blues will play three of their next four matches at the Etihad Stadium. Their League Cup clash against Watford is also a home game, and one of their two Champions League matches during this period will be held in Manchester. Overall, five of their next seven games will be played at home, which could provide a vital advantage.
One clear upside to playing at home is the reduced travel, allowing for more rest and recovery. Hosting Inter Milan at the Etihad on a Wednesday night is far better preparation for their weekend showdown with Arsenal than the Gunners’ grueling trip to Atalanta the day before their own visit to Manchester.
City have turned the Etihad into a fortress under Guardiola. They are unbeaten in 45 consecutive home matches across all competitions, a streak that stretches back to November 2022 when Brentford, coincidentally this weekend’s opponents, pulled off a shock 2-1 win. With four home matches in quick succession, City have a golden opportunity to extend that unbeaten run and build momentum with their fans behind them.
Guardiola knows his squad will be tested in this demanding stretch if they are to remain competitive across three fronts. While the League Cup scheduling hasn’t done them any favors, the home advantage the Etihad provides could prove crucial as City aim to navigate this difficult period.
