It seems in many ways as though the season has only just started, but here we are at a pivotal month where Manchester City’s progress in three competitions could be all but decided.
We look ahead to the busy schedule and try to predict where City may end up. We start by looking at the 3 game weekends we have during October in the Premier League.
Matchday 8
5/6th October
Liverpool v Leicester
There has been a lot of smoke blown in the direction of Leicester City but I do not see this game proving to be anything other than an obliging victory for Liverpool.
Manchester City v Wolves
City must win this game and Wolves have proven to be stubborn opponents in the past. Yet we should have enough quality to come through.
Southampton v Chelsea
Chelsea have so far fared better on their travels and this game should be no different.
Brighton v Spurs
Spurs may be stuttering but will make light work of a poor Brighton side.
More from Man City Square
- Rodri believes City can have even more success this season
- Grealish, Stones, and Kovacic will NOT play tomorrow
- My Manchester City UCL Group Stage predictions
- After Injury Guardiola is back in Etihad
- Phil Foden Scores Opener for England Against Scotland
Matchday 9
19/20th October
Chelsea v Newcastle
I cannot see anything other than a Chelsea win against a struggling Newcastle.
Spurs v Watford
A local derby game but Watford will be lucky to score.
Palace v City
One of our bogey sides and in the past they have shown a willingness to kick us off the park if necessary. Still, we should be able to record a victory here.
Man Utd v Liverpool
On the basis of Utd’s recent showings this should be an easy three points for Liverpool.
Matchday 10
25th-27th October
City v Villa
Villa have begun to settle in the Premier League but City should win this game.
Burnley v Chelsea
Not the easiest away fixture for a young and inexperienced Chelsea side who are likely to be disrupted out of their usual playing rhythms.
Liverpool v Spurs
This is where i expect Liverpool to encounter their first real test and Spurs should be capable of securing a draw. If Liverpool drop these points it will provide an extra incentive for the City v Liverpool game to come in two weeks time.
Predicted Premier League Table After 10 Games
- Liverpool 28 Points
- Manchester City 25 Points
- Chelsea 20 Points
- Arsenal 19 Points
So, I hope City will be still riding the coat tails of the leaders. I am happy if we are still in a similar position next April when the pressure really starts to mount.
Cup Games
Tuesday 1 October
City v Dinamo Zagreb Champions League
This may be a sterner test than first considered but nevertheless it should be a City victory.
Tuesday 22 October
City v Atalanta Champions League
Sandwiched between the Palace and Villa games, a lot may depend upon how fit the team is at this point. A win here may effectively secure City’s passage to the next stage.
Tuesday 29 October
City v Southampton Carabao Cup
Sandwiched between Villa and Southampton in the League, this match should provide an opportunity for a further run out for many of the squad. Hopefully a win will keep us in the hunt for all trophies.
October is a busy month of competition but it will be important to keep as close to Liverpool as possible, given we play at Anfield in early November. We need to sit on the shoulders of the pace maker, because as we know from experience, the Premier League is a marathon not a sprint race. It is unusual for the early leaders to maintain the pace.