February will shape the entire 24/25 season for Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City take on Arsenal tomorrow at the Emirates in a crucial Premier League fixture. It is the first game in February for Pep Guardiola’s side. The fixture list for the world champions in February looms as the ultimate test for Manchester City. But at the end of it, we will truly know where they stand for the 24/25 season. While the fixture list is daunting, if Pep Guardiola’s side gets through it, they will have set themselves up for the remainder of this season.

A look at who Manchester City play this month unveils the size of the task at hand for the Premier League champions. In order City play Arsenal, Leyton Orient, Real Madrid at the Etihad, Newcastle, Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, Liverpool and Tottenham. That is a daunting fixture list by anyone’s standard. But while it is a challenge it will also reveal how Manchester City will go this season.

It already appears that Manchester City’s chances of winning a fifth consecutive Premier League title are gone. They sit twelve points behind league leaders Liverpool. Liverpool also has a game in hand over City. But it does appear that there is a tight race unfolding for a top-four finish this season. Securing Champions League football next season is a must for Manchester City. If they can get the victories they need this month against teams they’re competing with for Champions League football City will be well placed for the final stages of the season.

In the FA Cup, Leyton Orient looks like a simple tie on paper. But that won’t be the case. It is sandwiched between City’s fixtures against Arsenal and Real Madrid. Pep Guardiola will likely field a more youthful lineup against Leyton Orient. So it could prove to be a tough fixture for Manchester City. But if they get through that it could set them for a FA Cup run.

Then we get to the Champions League knockout phase playoff tie against Real Madrid. The two-legged tie against the current holders of the Champions League speaks for itself. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are the experts in the competition. But Manchester City have pushed them all the way and beaten them in recent seasons. It is a daunting task that lies ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side but they are capable of beating the La Liga giants. That tie just adds even more intrigue to a challenging month for Pep Guardiola’s side.

February is shaping up as a month that will define Manchester City’s season. If they can successfully navigate it they could be well set for what lies ahead. But if they don’t City’s season could end up hanging by a thread. That’s what is at stake this month for the Premier League champions.