As we head into the international break, Manchester City remain in contention for the Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola's side are second, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal who beat Crystal Palace on Sunday to extend their advantage. City were in FA Cup action and have a last four date with Sheffield United next month as well as Champions League quarter final ties with Bayern Munich.
It means their squad will be stretched wider than Mikel Arteta's considering the Gunnrs were knocked out of the Europa League last week. Guardiola's men still have to host the leaders before the end of the season but that is not the only crucial date that could decide this race. MEN Sport has taken a look at the four dates which could make or break City's season.
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April 1
As soon as the international break ends, City are thrust into a difficult clash with Liverpool. Filling the early kick off could help the Blues and put the pressure on Arsenal who face Leeds United in a 3pm game. The trouble for City is that they do not know which Jurgen Klopp side they will come up against. Will it be the one that dropped points to Nottingham Forest or the one that breezed past Manchester United and Newcastle?
April 8-9
Liverpool go from City to Arsenal with the leaders travelling to Anfield on Sunday, April 9. City once again have the advantage of playing first when they visit Southampton. City have memories of a south coast defeat last season but will be seeking three points to again ask questions of Arteta's men.
April 21-22
This time Arsenal will be seeking an advantage. They host Southampton on the Friday evening. Initially, City were set to travel to Brighton but thanks to their progression in the FA Cup, Guardiola's side will now play Sheffield United. With the game against Arsenal coming the following midweek, City will be hoping they are not taken the distance by Paul Heckingbottom's side.
April 26
An Etihad clash of the top two. It will clearly be crucial and Arsenal will have had extra rest time from the weekend fixtures. City won the reverse clash and will need to claim another three points here to ensure they are in a position to strike in the final month of the season. It's a monumental match-up.
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