Manchester City enters 2026 off the back of eight consecutive wins across all competitions. Pep Guardiola’s side has done the hard work in November and December to be well-positioned to launch into the second half of this season. A busy and important January awaits City. This month has the potential to be a springboard for Pep Guardiola’s side to launch into a part of the season that City typically shifts up a gear in. To kick off January, a tough test awaits Manchester City as they take on a tough Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light.
Pep Guardiola knows that January is a pivotal month for his team.
Manchester City will play nine matches in all competitions in January. City will play five important Premier League matches this month. They will also wrap up their UEFA Champions League league phase campaign with matches against Bodø/Glimt and Galatasaray. City will begin their FA Cup campaign with a third-round FA Cup tie at the Etihad against Exeter City. The first leg of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Newcastle United will also be played this month. January is a massive month for City, and that fact wasn’t lost on Pep Guardiola when he spoke to the media yesterday.
Pep Guardiola acknowledged that his team had done their job in November and December. City enters January off the back of an eight-match winning run in all competitions. January is crucial for City as they can keep the pressure on Arsenal and wrap up a top-eight finish in the UEFA Champions League league phase. The Manchester City manager explained: “*This month is important because in November and December we were really good.*”
“*This month will define Champions League qualification, which position we are in, and in the Premier League, we will try and be close to the top of the league.*”
A crucial month kicks off with a tough test for Manchester City
Sunderland will be no pushover for Manchester City tonight at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester City kick off an important month with a tricky away fixture tonight. Pep Guardiola’s side will take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Régis Le Bris’ side has exceeded all expectations since being promoted to the Premier League. They took a bold approach with their recruitment last summer and it has paid off. The Black Cats signed fourteen players in last summer’s transfer window and their approach has seen them build a team that is more than capable of thriving in the Premier League. Manchester City’s last match was tough 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at The City Ground. Tonight’s match promises to be just as tough against Régis Le Bris’ side.
Manchester City begin a crucial month with a tough away fixture tonight. If City can pick up three points it will help them keep the pressure on Arsenal. To do that, City must win tonight. Tonight’s match could also be the springboard for City to launch into a hectic month head first. There are three points on the line tonight at the Stadium of Light. But you do sense that tonight’s match could shape Manchester City’s month given what lies ahead.