Manchester City’s run of dominance continued last season as they won their fourth straight Premier League title, becoming the first team in league history to accomplish the feat. The blue and white also made the FA Cup final for the second year in a row, although they fell this time to rival Manchester United. The Citizens also advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League before being eliminated by eventual winners Real Madrid via penalty kicks.
As they prepare to travel across the pond to the United States in a few weeks to play some pre-season friendlies, Manchester City knows when the pursuit of their fifth straight league title begins and who they will be playing in each match week.
After the Premier League schedule was released on Tuesday, here are three Manchester City matches to circle on the calendar.
Aug. 18, Away at Chelsea
Manchester City’s title defense begins on August 18, and they will travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. The Blues are coming off a disappointing campaign for their standards that saw them finish sixth in the table and just narrowly qualify for European competition.
Chelsea, led by the attacking duo of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, will look to make a statement in the opening match against the defending champions. Manchester City will have to prepare for a clash as they don’t want to fall behind the eightball at the start of the campaign.
Nov. 30, Away at Liverpool
One of the biggest matches of last year’s league season took place when Manchester City headed to Anfield and walked away with a point against Liverpool.
The Reds collapsed after that match and finished third in the table. Since that match, Jurgen Klopp has left, but the core led by Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijik remains, and Liverpool still poses quite a threat to winning the league. They were the last team not named Manchester City to capture England’s top flight. This game could have giant last-season implications and will be a must-watch.
Feb. 5, Away at Arsenal
Arsenal came so close for the second year in a row but fell short of Manchester City. The Gunners are looking for redemption after settling for a draw against the blue and white last season, which ultimately cost them the title. Mikel Arteta’s squad will This could be the match that determines the winner of the Premier League when the season is looked back at.