MANCHESTER CITY face the prospect of playing twice in the space of 49 hours later this month.
City are set to meet Watford in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, 25 September.
Pep Guardiola will have to manage a hectic fixture scheduleAlamy
Pep Guardiola‘s side face Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday, 22 September, before travelling to Newcastle on Saturday, 28 September.
But neighbours Manchester United are playing their Europa League group stage opener against FC Twente on Wednesday night, when City’s game against Watford would have beenmost suitable.
Therefore, City will be forced to play twice in three days because Greater Manchester Police are reluctant to let them play at home on the same night.
Not since October 2015, when City thumped Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and United lost on penalties to Middlesbrough, has that happened.
It has been confirmed that the clash with the Hornets will take place on the Tuesday.
By the time the match at the Etihad Stadium kicks off, it will be just over 48 hours after City’s crucial meeting with the Gunners finishes, meaning Guardiola will have to utilise his talented squad.
The fixture comes during a hectic period where the reigning Premier League champions play five times in 15 days following the return of the Champions League on September 18.
City host Inter Milan on September 18, four days before playing Brentford at home after the international break.
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Man City has started the season perfectly as they aim to win their fifth Premier League title in a row.
The Citizens won the curtain-raising Community Shield over rivals Man United.
Guardiola’s side have since won all three of their league matches, starting with the victory over Chelsea.
City then followed up on the win at Stamford Bridge with successes against Ipswich Town and West Ham.
Erling Haaland has been sensational so far this season in front of goal.
The Norweigian striker has already scored seven goals in his three league matches.
This includes back-to-back hat-tricks against the Tractor Boys and the Hammers.
Pep Guardiola set for final Man City season
By Martin Blackburn
AFTER eight glorious years of stability, Manchester City now head into an uncertain 12 months.
And Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to neighbours United was a reminder that this glittering and unforgettable era will not go on for ever.
Around this time in 2025, City will be preparing for the highly-lucrative Fifa Club World Cup in the US.
Yet in all likelihood they will also be getting ready to say their goodbyes to manager Pep Guardiola, who has brought so much success to the east side of Manchester.
Meanwhile, there could be a verdict on 115 charges of financial irregularity which have been levelled at the club by Premier League chiefs.
The suggestion is the hearing could start later this year but is likely to take several months to reach a conclusion.
City continue to deny any wrongdoing and are confident they will be cleared by the independent commission.
Read Martin Blackburn’s full column here.