Manchester City: October 2023 Preview
Manchester City had a solid start to the 2023/24 English Premier League season in August 2023, but they struggled in the month of September.
During the month, they played four EPL matches, a UEFA Champions League fixture, and a Carabao Cup game. The Sky Blues started strong, earning high-scoring victories against Fulham and West Ham United. City then continued this trend as they won their UEFA Champions League match against Crvena Zvezda. But then, things became complicated.
While the Sky Blues won their following match against Nottingham Forest ( 2-0 ) in a league game, it came at a cost as Rodri was sent off (he would be suspended for the next three games).
Manchester City then lost in the third round of the Carabao Cup against Newcastle in a narrow 1-0 loss.
Finally, the Sky Blues received an upset in the Premier League in their final match of September as they lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers, 2-1.
While the Sky Blues still sit at the top of the EPL at the start of this month, overall, September was difficult.
Manchester City will now play five matches throughout October 2023; they will be a mixture of league matches and Champions League fixtures.
Manchester City’s five upcoming matches
City will start the month away in Germany on 4th October as they play RB Leipzig. The Sky Blues have previously been drawn against Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, where they most recently routed the Germans 7-0 in the knockout stages during the 2022/2023 competition.
After this match, Manchester City will travel to London on Sunday, 8th October to face Arsenal. The Gunners most recently defeated the Sky Blues in the FA Community Shield this August. Arsenal will also be looking to challenge Manchester City for the EPL title this season.
The Mancunians will return home on Saturday, 21st October, to face Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls challenged the Sky Blues last season, and under their new management, they are starting to put more pressure on the top of the table. Brighton already defeated Manchester United and Newcastle United this season, and Manchester City must be careful in this fixture.
Manchester City will then shift their focus from the EPL to the UEFA Champions League as they travel to Switzerland. They will face Young Boys on Matchday three in Group G on the 25th October.
Finally, Manchester City will conclude October 2023 with a match against crosstown rivals Manchester United. The Sky Blues previously lost this fixture against the Red Devils in the 2022/2023 EPL season, where the final score at Old Trafford was 2-1. Manchester City will look to beat their rivals in this year’s match at the same venue.
Overall, City have five difficult opponents this month. And, after struggling last month, it is unclear how they will bounce back this month in some critical matches.
How will the Mancunians fare in October 2023?