After a historic and unprecedented 2023, Manchester City will now kick off the new year in an attempt to replicate similar successes. This month, the Sky Blues will only play three matches, where the senior squad will receive some much-needed time off to recover during the hectic holiday schedule in December. They will play in two competitions.
On Sunday, 7th January, Manchester City will host former Premier League opponent Huddersfield Town in the third round of the FA Cup. The Terriers are a former version of themselves. Once a club that played in England’s top flight, Huddersfield now finds themselves in the Championship relegation battle. Despite their poor run of form, Manchester City should not underestimate Huddersfield Town. After all, strange things have happened in the FA Cup.
After the FA Cup matchup, Manchester City will then shift their attention to the English Premier League for the final two matches in January 2024. The first will occur away at Newcastle United on Saturday, 13th January. The Magpies have previously given the Sky Blues a hard time, where they most recently eliminated Manchester during this year’s Carabao Cup competition. This will be a difficult encounter, and how things progress will remain to be seen.
Manchester City will then finish the month with a home match against Burnley. The Clarets, which are still managed by City great Vincent Kompany, are struggling in the Premier League this season. After a historic run in the Championship last year, Kompany’s men have not yet found their rhythm. They are currently trying to fight their way out of the relegation zone, and they will do everything they can to stay alive in the league this year.
Overall, unlike previous months this season, January 2024 will be rather straightforward for the Sky Blues as they will only have three matches over the span of 31 days. Manchester City will have plenty of rest throughout the month, and this should help prepare the players for a hectic, up and coming February 2024 period.
How will Manchester City fare in their matches in January 2024? Time will tell.