Five key fixtures for Manchester City before the New Year
With Manchester City's great form to the 2017 season, Mark Ogden discusses whether anyone in the Premier League can catch them in the table.
Manchester City have opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with the best start to a season by any team in the history of the league. Pep Guardiola's side have drawn just one of their opening 11 matches of the season, winning their last nine and seemingly gaining confidence with each victory.
But after the international break, City are heading into a busy schedule that sees them play 14 games in just 46 days, including 11 Premier League matches. Here are five of their toughest fixtures before the end of the year, which could give an opportunity for the chasers to close the gap at the top of the table.
Nov. 18: Leicester City vs Manchester City
(Last season: Man City lost 4-2)
Immediately after the international break, City head to the Walkers Stadium: the scene of a chastening defeat for Guardiola last season. The Foxes were 3-0 ahead inside 20 minutes with Jamie Vardy then completing his hat-trick in the second half. Consolation goals from Aleksandar Kolarov and Nolito in the last 10 minutes took some gloss off an outstanding win for Claudo Ranieri's side. City were completely overrun in the first half as Leicester's pace and movement exposed their fragility at the back. Despite having 78 percent possession, City created little and couldn't cope with the Foxes intense press, which forced them into too many errors.
Six of City's starters from that defeat last December have since left the club while Claudio Bravo is now the second-choice goalkeeper. The ones that survive will remember how painful a defeat it was and will want to ensure there is no repeat. Yet Nicolas Otamendi will miss the game through suspension and City will hope to have captain Vincent Kompany back fit to step into his place.
Nov. 26: Huddersfield Town vs Manchester City
(Last season: did not play)
Huddersfield were the overwhelming favourites for relegation at the start of the season but find themselves halfway up the table going into the final international break of 2017. Part of the reason is their solid form at the John Smith's Stadium, where they have been beaten just once in their seven home games.
The 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Oct. 21 was their standout result as Jose Mourinho's side failed to match the Terriers' hard work, intensity and desire. If City aren't properly prepared, Huddersfield are capable of causing another shock and Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy, who has been their best performer this season, will want to show his former employers what they missed when they failed to give him an opportunity at the Etihad Stadium.
City's players will have some knowledge of what to expect after the two sides played out a tense 0-0 draw in the fifth round of the FA Cup last season.
Dec. 10: Manchester United vs Manchester City
(Last season: Man City won 2-1)
The first derby of the season already looks like a must-win for City's closest rivals. Last season, City burst out to a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford during a devastating first-half performance in which they shredded United's defence. But an error from Bravo on his debut just before half-time made it a less comfortable second half.
Guardiola will approach the game as he does every fixture: wanting to win. The big dilemma will fall on his opposite number. Mourinho can't afford to lose the game if he is to have any hope of reeling in his rivals but he has generally been defensive in fixtures against top-six rivals, although that was enough to claim a 1-0 win over Spurs.
Mourinho's approach is receiving plenty of criticism and the United boss may be under pressure to ditch his conservative style in a bid to try and secure all three points.
Man City's start to the season has been electric but they face a tough run of 14 games in the next 46 days.
Dec. 16: Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
(Last season: drew 2-2)
Spurs' trip to the Etihad has the potential to be one of the most entertaining matches of the season with Mauricio Pochettino believing his side are capable of claiming a victory. His side were fortunate to escape with a point last season when they fought back from 2-0 down, with Kyle Walker admitting to giving away what should have been a penalty for his former side.
Guardiola praised Spurs for their win over his side at White Hart Lane but since then, a bit of friction has grown between the pair with Pochettino upset by a "disrespectful" reference to the "Harry Kane team." It could add some extra spice to a game that could go a long way to deciding the destiny of the title.
Dec. 27: Newcastle United vs Manchester City
(Last season: did not play)
The Magpies have already taken a point off Liverpool at St. James's Park and are on course to maintain their Premier League status following their promotion. Rafa Benitez's side are notoriously well set up and difficult to beat; this could be a particularly awkward fixture during a busy Christmas schedule.
Jonathan is ESPN FC's Manchester City correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @jonnysmiffy.
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Source: espn.co.uk
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