Manchester City’s 2024/25 EPL Clashes Against The Big Six And Hearing Over PL Charges
Manchester City is set to begin another Premier League season as defending champions, after clinching the title for a record four times in a row last season. Pep Gladiola’s men did exceptionally well in the pre-season and are looking forward to continuing their impressive run in the domestic Leagues and on the European stage.
The Premier League is well regarded for showcasing fierce and tough competition amongst participating teams year after year. The Sky Blues go into another EPL season as favorites to win the English Premier League, however, they are faced with multiple break-out teams vying to reclaim the title from a persistent Pep Gladiola’s squad. The Premier League’s “Big Six” are the 1% of teams that compete for the League title each year, which includes Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is at the top of this list, having lost the EPL title to the Citizens in the closest margin in consecutive seasons. Arsenal last won the Premier League under Arsene Wenger as Invincibles in 2004. Unlike their women’s team, they have struggled to reach the same feat despite impressive performances in many seasons. The Gunners aim to end their 21-year title drought for a League title this season and should be a cause for concern for Pep Gladiola.
Liverpool comes up next in the recent rankings and has been a formidable force in recent years under Jurgen Klopp, however, with the new appointment of Dutchman Arne Slot, the Reds would be hopeful of being in the title race. These three teams ran a close contest in the PL title race last season, and we are certain of a similar competition in the coming season.
Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United weren’t at their best last season, finishing 5th, 6th, and 8th respectively, and still making their way into European competitions this season. They have all made significant changes to their squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, in a bid to bounce back to glory and contest for England’s most sought-after glory.
Emerging threats like Aston Villa, West Ham, Newcastle, and just promoted Leicester City are not on the “Big Six,” but are also top threats to Man City’s claim on the EPL title this season. Pep Guardiola will be wary of the challenge these teams bring in the new season, and fight to take back the silverware while extending his legacy with the English club.
Here are Manchester City’s matches against the ‘Big Six’ for the 2024/25 Premier League season:
Chelsea vs Manchester City (Sunday, 18th August 2024)
Manchester City vs Arsenal (Saturday, 21st September 2024)
Manchester City vs Tottenham (Saturday, 23rd November 2024)
Liverpool vs Manchester City (Saturday, 30th November 2024)
Manchester City vs Manchester United (Saturday, 14th December 2024)
Manchester City vs Chelsea (Saturday, 25th January 2025)
Arsenal vs Manchester City (Saturday, 1st February 2025)
Manchester City vs Liverpool (Saturday, 22nd February 2025)
Tottenham vs Manchester City (Tuesday, 25th February 2025)
Manchester United vs Manchester City (Saturday, 5th April 2025)
NEW DATE FOR MANCHESTER CITY’S HEARING OVER PL CHARGES
Manchester City’s hearing for the 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules is reportedly set to commence next month instead of the previously speculated date in November. The independent commission’s proceedings are now anticipated to start in September unless there are legal delays.
The Abu Dhabi-owned club’s alleged violations of Premier League financial regulations between 2009 and 2013 include; failing to provide the Club’s accurate financial information for nine seasons; not fully disclosing Roberto Mancini’s compensation during his four years at the Etihad; and withholding complete details of player deals over six seasons. They are also accused of not cooperating with an investigation and failing to submit required documents for five seasons.
Manchester City has denied all allegations and maintains that they have ‘irrefutable evidence’ that will exonerate them. The outcome of the hearing scheduled to last for about 10 weeks is expected to be known early in the new year with the commission members likely to deliver their verdict at the start of 2025.
City’s separate legal challenge against the Premier League’s associated party transactions (APT) rules is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, which could expedite the start of the hearing for the 115 charges. There is a belief that the club has made some progress in the arbitration hearing and has a strong chance of winning the case.
Manchester City could face relegation from the Premier League if the most serious charges against them are found to be true and they may be required to compensate every other Premier League club, as well as those who participated in the league during the years under investigation. This is because merit payments, which are awarded annually based on a club’s finishing position, could be recalculated if the City is found guilty. Such a ruling could imply that City might have finished lower in the standings than they did, leading to potential payments owed to the clubs that ended up below them in those seasons.
This situation raises uncertainty about the future of top stars that feature for the team and head coach – Guardiola, whose contract with Manchester City is set to expire at the end of the season. However, the Catalan manager has publicly stated that an unfavorable outcome for the club will not cause him to depart. In a press conference last year, the Spanish coach said;
“At the moment we are innocent until it is proved we are guilty. I know the people want it. I know I feel it. I will wait. Wait and see it and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain it. “But I will not consider my future (if) it depends on being here or being in League One. Absolutely. There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League.”
MANCHESTER CITY’S UPCOMING GAMES
After the penalty shoot-out victory against Manchester United in the 2024 Community Shield, Manchester City is set to kickstart their title defense this new season against Chelsea on Sunday. The Sky Blues would also play in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the UEFA Champions League in the 2024/25 season, although Schedules and draws for most participating teams are yet to be determined. Below are confirmed Manchester City Premier League games from August to September 2024, highlighting the fixture’s date, time, and location:
Chelsea vs. Manchester City (Sunday, 18th August 2024, Stamford Bridge, 16:30)
Manchester City vs. Ipswich Town (Saturday, 24th August 2024, Etihad Stadium, 15:00)
West Ham United vs. Manchester City (Saturday, 31st August 2024, London Stadium, 17:30)
Manchester City vs. Brentford (Saturday, 14th September 2024, Etihad Stadium, 15:00)
Manchester City vs. Arsenal (Sunday, 22nd September 2024, Etihad Stadium, 16:30)
Newcastle United vs. Manchester City (Saturday, 28th September 2024, St James’ Park, 12:30)
Manchester City vs. Fulham (Saturday, 5th October 2024, Etihad Stadium, 15:00)
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester City (Sunday, 20th October 2024, Molineux Stadium, 16:30)
Manchester City vs. Southampton (Saturday, 26th October 2024, Etihad Stadium, 15:00)
SECURE YOUR MANCHESTER CITY TICKETS NOW!
If you’re a true Cityzen, there’s nothing like being in the stadium to witness the magic of Live football. With official sites often screaming “Sold out,” your best bet to get Manchester City tickets and cheer on the Sky Blues in person is to hit the secondary marketplaces. Explore seat maps, compare prices, and snag the best views in the house for a beautiful experience. Don’t miss out on the thrill of watching the Premier League champions Live. Grab your Manchester City tickets now and be part of the roar that drives the team to victory. The Etihad awaits, hustle up and secure your spot for an unforgettable matchday experience!