Manchester City have now discovered their fixtures for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Wolves host Manchester City in the opening game, where Rayan Ait-Nouri will face his old side on his Premier League debut for the Citizens, if selected by Pep Guardiola.
The Algeria international will, however, be unavailable for Manchester City towards the end of 2025 and the start of 2026 due to the Africa Cup of Nations, along with Egypt international Omar Marmoush.
Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush set to miss some significant fixtures for Manchester City
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins on Sunday 21st December 2025 and ends on Sunday 18th January 2026, although the African duo will obviously link up with their respective nations a few days before the 21st December.
Between those two dates, Manchester City have some important Premier League clashes – especially in January – so Guardiola will hardly be overjoyed by the timing of AFCON.
Manchester City vs West Ham United (Saturday 20th December)
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City (Saturday 27th December)
Sunderland vs Manchester City (Tuesday 30th December)
Manchester City vs Chelsea (Saturday 3rd January)
Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion (Wednesday 7th January)
Manchester United vs Manchester City (Saturday 17th January)
More Man City News
Depending on how much rest Ait-Nouri and Marmoush need after the tournament, they could also miss the Premier League clash against Wolves at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 24th January.
Josko Gvardiol might be needed at left-back once again
Josko Gvardiol admitted he was surprised at how often Guardiola used him at left-back after his £77m arrival from RB Leipzig back in August 2023.
The Croatia international said: “So, before I joined City, I thought I was going to be just a central defender, you know, with Ruben (Dias), with John (Stones) whoever is there, but I ended up as a full-back.
“I was (thinking it will be) maybe just a couple of months, you know, the manager wants me to get used to the league, to the rhythm and everything, but yeah, it’s actually my position.”
Gvardiol was able to play in his preferred position as a central defender towards the end of last season as Nico O’Reilly started to shine at left-back, although the Croatian might be needed out wide once again while Ait-Nouri is away with Algeria.