Manchester City’s 2025/26 Premier League schedule is now public, featuring an early‑season clash with Manchester United on 21 September at Old Trafford, followed by a demanding run of domestic and Champions League matches that will test Pep Guardiola’s squad depth from day one.
Full 2025/26 Schedule Overview
The season launches with a September opener at Bournemouth and concludes with a decisive meeting against Liverpool in May. City will play 38 league games, interspersed with domestic cup ties and a challenging Champions League group that includes an Istanbul trip to face Galatasaray on 18 September and a home showdown with Real Madrid on 2 October.
Early September Derby Details
The first‑ever September derby in Premier League history pits City against United at 12:30 pm on 21 September. Home‑grown talent Phil Foden emphasized the match as a “must‑win” to boost morale and signal the Sky Blues’ intent to retain the title.
Tactical Outlook for Guardiola
Guardiola is expected to line up a balanced 4‑3‑3, with Ederson in goal, Ruben Dias and John Stones anchoring the defence, and a midfield trio of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Foden dictating tempo. Up front, Erling Haaland could partner a returning Jack Grealish on the wing, providing both physicality and creativity against United’s back line.
Transfer Outlook and Squad Depth
Amid the fixture release, City is monitoring several high‑profile targets to strengthen the squad ahead of the congested autumn schedule. While no signings have been confirmed, Guardiola’s history of integrating new players quickly suggests any arrivals will be ready to contribute early, especially with the Champions League tests looming.
Contract extension talks continue for Haaland, the striker who netted 36 league goals last season. Securing his long‑term future would add stability as the team navigates a calendar packed with high‑stakes fixtures.
Title Race Implications
The September derby could set the tone for the entire campaign. A victory would grant three points and a psychological edge over United, while a slip‑up might embolden United’s resurgence and give rivals such as Liverpool and Arsenal a sense of vulnerability.
With six games in ten days between late September and early October, squad rotation will be essential. Managing player workloads while preserving tactical coherence will be under intense scrutiny, particularly for key figures like Haaland, Foden, and any new signings.
Fan Demand and Commercial Impact
Ticket sales have surged following the fixture announcement, with record demand for the September derby, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Merchandise featuring the new “Blue Moon” kit has also spiked as supporters gear up for what many describe as a pivotal Premier League season.
Season Outlook
As the transfer window closes and pre‑season training intensifies, City’s management will fine‑tune strategies for a schedule that promises both opportunity and adversity. The early derby, highlighted by Foden’s confidence and Guardiola’s tactical acumen, will serve as a litmus test for the squad’s readiness to pursue another double‑trophy triumph.
