Man City next six fixtures after Premier League opener against Burnley

The Premier League cannot be won in August – even the coronavirus-afflicted 2019/20 season ended in July – but Manchester City have the chance to bolster their trophy cabinet this month.

Pep Guardiola’s side lost the first showpiece event of the season, coming off worse in a penalty shootout with Arsenal in the Community Shield. However, at the embryonic stages of a new campaign, City’s focus can shift to the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla in midweek.

After kicking off the 2023/24 Premier League season with a 3-0 win at Burnley on Friday night, here’s what lies ahead for Guardiola and his trophy chasers.

After ending the club’s 53-year wait for a European crown, Man City will be able to take part in their first UEFA Super Cup – which wasn’t invented until 1974.

Sevilla, as perennial Europa League champions, have competed in six iterations of the continental competition – losing their last five participations. The omens do not suggest that Sevilla will break this streak against Man City after the Spanish outfit were battered home and away by Guardiola’s side in last season’s Champions League group stage.

Guardiola hailed City’s 1-0 win over Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth in 2019 as “one of the best performances we’ve ever played” as his side prevented the Cherries from taking a single shot – on or off target – throughout the match.

Now in charge of Newcastle United, Howe’s side caused City far more problems last season. The Magpies had a two-goal lead at one point before drawing 3-3 with the champions last August. Although, Howe is still waiting for his maiden win against Guardiola.

Sheffield United’s summer has been defined by their departures rather than arrivals. Star forward Iliman Ndiaye and midfielder Sander Berge were sold for a combined £32m while Man City loanees Tommy Doyle and James McAtee have not returned to the Steel City on a permanent basis.

The Blades got a taste of what life would be like without their loanees when Paul Heckingbottom’s side was drawn against Man City in last season’s FA Cup semi-final. The Premier League champions strolled to a 3-0 win but all the goals that day were scored by one of City’s departures; Riyad Mahrez. Nevertheless, Man City’s squad is in a stronger position to absorb the loss.

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Man City’s first game after the summer transfer window has closed is against a Fulham side that could look very different by September. The club’s manager and talismanic striker are both the subject of significant interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Incidentally, Aleksandar Mitrovic was unavailable for both of Fulham’s matches against Man City last season. The Cottagers lost both contests 2-1 but pushed the champions close in each game.

Oddly, both David Moyes and Pep Guardiola succeeded Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham United and Man City respectively. It’s safe to say that Guardiola has fared better but Moyes has won as many European trophies as the Catalan since he moved to England (one apiece).

Man City began the 2022/23 Premier League season at West Ham’s London Stadium with a 2-0 victory that proved particularly prescient; Erling Haaland scored twice on his competition debut, latching on to Kevin De Bruyne’s through ball for one of 36 goals in last season’s top flight.

Haaland’s father Alf-Inge played for Man City, much like his son – not that it has ever been pointed out. The combative midfielder signed for Nottingham Forest when he first arrived in English football.

Haaland showed little sentiment when rattling in one of his six hat-tricks last season upon Forest’s last visit to the Etihad Stadium.