Manchester City are enduring a challenging 2025/26 Premier League season with the defending champions sitting in third position with 22 points from 12 matches, including 7 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses. The Citizens faced Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium on 29 November 2025 at 3:00 PM in their most recent Premier League fixture, with Pep Guardiola’s side looking to bounce back from recent defeats and close the gap on league leaders Arsenal who currently sit six points ahead. After dominating English football with four consecutive Premier League titles from 2020 to 2024, Manchester City experienced a trophy-less 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish third behind Liverpool and Arsenal, prompting massive summer investment of approximately £300 million to rebuild the squad and reclaim their position at the top of English football.
November 2025 Recent Results
Manchester City’s November 2025 proved difficult with inconsistent results impacting their title challenge and raising questions about their ability to reclaim championship supremacy. The month began positively with a 2-1 home victory against Bournemouth on 1 November 2025, demonstrating resilience and attacking quality at the Etihad Stadium. This result provided three crucial points as City aimed to keep pace with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
However, City suffered a damaging 3-0 home defeat against Liverpool on 8 November 2025, marking one of their worst performances of the season. The loss to their traditional title rivals exposed defensive vulnerabilities and raised concerns about City’s ability to compete with elite opposition. Liverpool’s dominant display at the Etihad sent shockwaves through Manchester as questions emerged about Guardiola’s tactical approach and squad composition.
City’s Champions League campaign continued with mixed results including a crucial 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund on 5 November 2025 at home, demonstrating their continued potency in European competition. The Citizens also recorded a 4-1 victory against Bayer Leverkusen on 25 November 2025, showcasing their attacking firepower on the continental stage even while domestic form wavered.
The month’s most disappointing result came on 22 November 2025 when City suffered a shocking 3-1 defeat away at Newcastle United at St James’ Park. This loss extended City’s inconsistent run and left them trailing Arsenal by six points in the title race, creating significant pressure heading into the crucial December fixture period. The defeat highlighted ongoing issues with defensive solidity and away form that have plagued City throughout the campaign.
December 2025 Fixture Schedule
Manchester City face a critical December schedule with seven fixtures across domestic and European competitions that could define their season trajectory. The month begins with a challenging midweek away fixture at Fulham’s Craven Cottage on Tuesday 2 December 2025 at 7:30 PM. Fulham’s technical approach and passionate home support at their riverside stadium make them awkward opponents, particularly during evening fixtures when atmosphere reaches peak intensity.
City return to the Etihad Stadium to host Sunderland on Saturday 6 December 2025 at 3:00 PM, providing an opportunity to secure three points against newly promoted opposition. However, promoted teams often approach matches against traditional top-six clubs with defensive organization and counter-attacking threat, requiring City to maintain patience and precision in breaking down compact defensive structures. The fixture represents a crucial opportunity to consolidate league position before facing tougher opponents.
A pivotal Champions League fixture against Real Madrid awaits on Wednesday 10 December 2025 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with a 1:30 AM IST kick-off time. This clash between two European giants carries enormous significance for both teams’ qualification prospects in the new Champions League league format. City’s recent history against Madrid includes memorable encounters with the fixture promising tactical intrigue between two of Europe’s most sophisticated managers.
City face Crystal Palace away at Selhurst Park on Saturday 13 December 2025 at 3:00 PM, where Palace’s passionate home support creates one of the Premier League’s most intimidating atmospheres. The Eagles’ ability to frustrate elite opposition through organized defending and dangerous set-pieces makes them capable of causing upsets, particularly in south London where visiting teams struggle to impose their game. This fixture requires professional performance to secure vital away points.
The festive period continues with City hosting West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 20 December 2025 at 3:00 PM. West Ham’s attacking quality and ability to compete against top-six rivals makes them dangerous opponents despite mid-table league position. City’s home advantage and superior squad depth should prove decisive, though the fixture demands concentration and defensive discipline throughout.
City travel to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday 27 December 2025 at 3:00 PM in their Boxing Day fixture. Forest’s passionate fanbase and improved performances under their current management make the City Ground a challenging venue, particularly during the festive period when home atmosphere reaches peak levels. The quick turnaround between Christmas and this fixture tests squad rotation policies and recovery protocols.
December concludes with a difficult away trip to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 30 December 2025, marking their second meeting with the promoted club within the same month. This quick return fixture provides both teams with tactical insights from their earlier encounter while the compressed schedule tests squad depth and physical conditioning during the demanding year-end period.
January 2026 New Year Fixtures
The new year begins with a crucial title-defining fixture when City host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 3 January 2026 at 3:00 PM. This encounter between two traditional powerhouses carries enormous significance with Chelsea currently sitting second in the table, just one point ahead of City. The result could prove pivotal in determining final league positions and championship credentials for both clubs competing for honors under elite management.
City welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 8 January 2026 at 8:00 PM in a midweek fixture. Brighton’s possession-based approach and technical quality consistently troubles top teams with their ability to control matches through patient build-up play. City must be at their defensive best while maintaining attacking threat to secure three points against Roberto De Zerbi’s well-drilled side.
The Manchester derby arrives on Saturday 17 January 2026 when City travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford at 3:00 PM. This historic rivalry carries enormous local pride and global interest regardless of both teams’ league positions, with the derby representing one of English football’s most watched fixtures worldwide. City’s recent dominance in derby fixtures provides confidence, though United’s improved form under their current management makes them dangerous opponents at home.
City host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 24 January 2026 at 3:00 PM, facing opponents known for defensive organization and counter-attacking threat. Wolves’ tactical discipline requires City to maintain patience and precision in breaking down compact defensive structures while remaining vigilant against quick transitions. The fixture provides opportunity to build momentum through consistent home victories.
January concludes with City traveling to face Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 31 January 2026 at 3:00 PM. Spurs’ attacking quality and passionate home support create challenging environment for visiting teams, with their modern stadium generating intimidating atmosphere. City’s away record against top-six rivals this season requires improvement, making this fixture crucial for title challenge credentials.
Champions League Campaign
Manchester City’s Champions League fixtures run parallel to their demanding domestic schedule, creating significant fixture congestion during the 2025/26 campaign. The new league format introduced for this season sees City competing against multiple elite European clubs including Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Galatasaray, and Bodø/Glimt across the league phase before knockout stages begin.
City’s 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund on 5 November 2025 demonstrated their continued European pedigree with dominant performance showcasing attacking quality and defensive solidity. The 4-1 triumph against Bayer Leverkusen on 25 November 2025 further emphasized City’s continental credentials despite domestic struggles, suggesting Guardiola’s tactical approach remains effective against elite European opposition.
The crucial fixture against Real Madrid on 10 December 2025 at the Bernabéu represents one of City’s most significant matches of the season. Recent encounters between these European giants have produced memorable moments including City’s dramatic exits and victories in previous Champions League campaigns. The fixture promises tactical masterclass between Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
City’s remaining Champions League league phase fixtures include away trips to Bodø/Glimt on 20 January 2026 and home fixture against Galatasaray on 29 January 2026. These matches determine City’s final position in the Champions League league phase and potential knockout round matchups, making results crucial for their European ambitions and potential path to the final.
Current League Position and Title Challenge
Manchester City currently sit third in the Premier League table with 22 points from 12 matches, including 7 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses. This represents their worst positional start to a season in recent years under Guardiola’s management. City trail league leaders Arsenal by six points and second-placed Chelsea by one point, creating significant pressure to close the gap through consistent results in upcoming fixtures.
City’s four defeats already this season equal their total losses from entire previous championship-winning campaigns, highlighting the increased competitiveness across the Premier League and potential decline from their dominant standards. Defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent away performances represent primary concerns, with City having conceded more goals at this stage than in any season since Guardiola’s arrival in 2016.
Historical analysis shows teams trailing by six points at this stage can still win the title, though it requires near-perfect form throughout the second half of the season combined with leaders dropping points. City’s remaining fixtures include crucial matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United where results prove decisive in determining final championship positions.
Etihad Stadium Home Fortress
Manchester City’s home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium provide significant advantages with the 53,400-capacity venue creating supportive atmosphere for Guardiola’s side. Upcoming Etihad fixtures in December and January include Sunderland, West Ham United, Chelsea, Brighton, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, representing crucial opportunities to accumulate points and rebuild title challenge momentum through dominant home performances.
The Etihad Stadium has developed reputation as one of English football’s most difficult venues for visiting teams, with City’s possession-based approach and attacking quality particularly effective on their home pitch. The stadium’s excellent transport links via Manchester Metrolink and Etihad Campus station make it easily accessible for both home and away supporters on matchdays.
City’s home record typically proves decisive in championship campaigns, with successful title-winning seasons requiring 40-plus points earned at the Etihad. The club’s current home form must improve significantly if they hope to overhaul Arsenal’s lead and reclaim their position as England’s dominant force.
Summer Rebuild and Squad Investment
Manchester City’s £300 million summer investment represents their response to the trophy-less 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish third behind Liverpool and Arsenal. The massive expenditure brought in multiple high-profile signings aimed at refreshing the squad and addressing positional weaknesses that emerged during their disappointing previous season. New arrivals showed promise during the Club World Cup performances, suggesting Guardiola’s rebuild could bear fruit as the season progresses.
The continued absence of midfielder Rodri through injury represents significant blow to City’s title chances, with the Ballon d’Or winner expected to remain sidelined for another month. Rodri’s importance to City’s system cannot be overstated, with his absence creating tactical and personnel challenges that have contributed directly to their inconsistent form. His anticipated return provides hope for improved performances in the crucial spring championship run-in.
Guardiola’s tactical evolution and squad management during this transitional period will determine whether City can salvage their season and mount realistic title challenge. The Catalan manager’s proven ability to adapt and find solutions provides optimism despite current challenges, with City’s remaining fixtures offering opportunities to demonstrate championship quality.
Key Rivalry Fixtures
Manchester City’s fixture list features crucial encounters against traditional Premier League powerhouses including matches against Liverpool on 7 February 2026 at Anfield, Arsenal on 18 April 2026 at the Etihad, and Chelsea on 11 April 2026 at Stamford Bridge. These fixtures against direct title rivals prove decisive in determining final league positions, with City’s record in these matches often correlating directly to championship success or failure.
The Manchester derby fixtures carry enormous local pride and global interest, with City hosting United on 14 September 2025 and visiting Old Trafford on 17 January 2026. City’s recent dominance in derby fixtures has established psychological advantage over their city rivals, though United’s improved performances under current management make them increasingly competitive in these encounters.
Fixture Congestion and Squad Rotation
City’s simultaneous pursuit of Premier League and Champions League glory creates significant fixture congestion requiring sophisticated squad rotation policies throughout the demanding campaign. December’s seven fixtures across 28 days including both domestic and European competitions demands careful player management to prevent injuries and maintain performance levels during the crucial festive period.
Guardiola’s deep squad provides options across all positions allowing rotation without significantly diminishing team quality or tactical approach. Modern sports science and data analysis allows City’s medical and conditioning staff to monitor player workload and recovery metrics ensuring optimal physical preparation for each fixture in the compressed schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Manchester City’s next match?
Manchester City’s next match is away at Fulham’s Craven Cottage on Tuesday 2 December 2025 at 7:30 PM in the Premier League following their home fixture against Leeds United on 29 November.
What is Manchester City’s current league position?
Manchester City currently sit third in the Premier League table with 22 points from 12 matches, including 7 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses, trailing leaders Arsenal by six points.
How many fixtures does Manchester City play in December 2025?
Manchester City play seven fixtures during December 2025 including matches against Fulham, Sunderland twice, Real Madrid in the Champions League, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest.
When does Manchester City play Chelsea?
Manchester City host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 3 January 2026 at 3:00 PM in a crucial encounter between two teams competing for top-four positions and title challenge.
When is the Manchester derby?
The Manchester derby takes place on Saturday 17 January 2026 when Manchester City travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford at 3:00 PM in one of English football’s most historic rivalries.
How is Manchester City performing in the Champions League?
Manchester City are competing in the Champions League league phase with victories over Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, facing crucial fixtures against Real Madrid on 10 December and other elite European opposition.
Where can I buy Manchester City match tickets?
Manchester City match tickets are available through the official Manchester City website and ticket office, with season ticket holders and club members receiving priority access before tickets become available to general public.
What time do Manchester City home matches kick off?
Manchester City home matches typically kick off at 3:00 PM GMT on Saturdays, though fixtures are regularly moved for television coverage to Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons, or midweek evenings with confirmed times announced weeks in advance.
How can I watch Manchester City matches on television?
Manchester City Premier League matches are broadcast on Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video in the United Kingdom, while Champions League fixtures are shown on TNT Sports with international coverage through various broadcast partners.
What is the capacity of the Etihad Stadium?
The Etihad Stadium has a capacity of 53,400 spectators, making it one of the largest club stadiums in England and providing excellent home atmosphere for Manchester City matches.
When does Manchester City play Arsenal?
Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 18 April 2026 at 3:00 PM after Arsenal visited the Etihad earlier in the season on 21 September 2025.
How do I get to the Etihad Stadium?
The Etihad Stadium is accessible via Manchester Metrolink tram service to Etihad Campus station, with numerous bus routes also serving the area and supporters encouraged to use public transport on matchdays.
When is Manchester City’s fixture against Real Madrid?
Manchester City face Real Madrid away at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Wednesday 10 December 2025 in a crucial Champions League league phase fixture between two European giants.
What happened in Manchester City’s match against Liverpool?
Manchester City suffered a damaging 3-0 home defeat against Liverpool on 8 November 2025 at the Etihad Stadium, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and raising concerns about their title challenge credentials.
How much did Manchester City spend in summer 2025?
Manchester City invested approximately £300 million during summer 2025 following their trophy-less 2024/25 campaign, bringing in multiple high-profile signings to refresh the squad and address positional weaknesses.
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