Manchester City's Premier League fixtures for the 2023/24 season have officially been released as Pep Guardiola looks to defend the title for the fourth consecutive year.
After spending the majority of last season in second place, City found their stride in the second half of the season to leapfrog Arsenal and win the Premier League for a third year in a row and for the seventh time in their history. As well as the league, City also won the Champions League and FA Cup to complete a historic Treble, and Guardiola's side will look to hit the same heights again in the 2023/24 campaign.
City begin the season away to newly-promoted Burnley, where Guardiola will go head-to-head with former City captain Vincent Kompany in the dugout. A visit from West Ham will end the season for City, whilst a tough March sees the league champions take on Man United, Liverpool, Brighton and Arsenal.
READ MORE: City exploring move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice after Arsenal bid rejected
So, how could City perform in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign? Let's take a look.
To set up this simulation, we used the Football Manager 2023 editor to update the Premier League with the latest teams, transfers and of course, the confirmed fixtures. Using FM23 to run the simulation, we then simulated the entire 2023/24 season to see how City got on.
Opening game: Burnley 0-3 City (August 11, 2023)
It was the perfect start to the season for City, with the defending champions avoiding an upset and cruising to a 3-0 win against Burnley. Erling Haaland scored twice in the opening 30 minutes before Phil Foden struck a third in the 72nd minute.
Biggest win: City 7-1 Everton (February 10, 2024)
Following a disappointing 1-0 loss away to Brentford, City responded perfectly with their biggest win of the season against Everton. Haaland grabbed a 12-minute hat-trick in the first half whilst Rodri scored twice to make it 5-0 at the break, and goals from Julian Alvarez and Jack Grealish in the second half saw Guardiola's side score seven.
Biggest loss: Liverpool 4-0 City (March 9, 2024)
Despite a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture, City struggled at Anfield again, being battered 4-0 by Liverpool. After going into the break 1-0 down, goals from Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister secured a 4-0 win for the Reds.
Derby days: City vs United
City struggled against their rivals in the simulation, picking up just one point in both games against Man United. Guardiola's side lost 1-0 at Old Trafford before drawing 0-0 at the Etihad, making it a disappointing season for derbies.
Final game: City 2-2 West Ham (May 19, 2024)
City faced West Ham United on the final day of the season, and they almost fell to defeat against a spirited Hammers side. Guardiola's men had to come from behind twice to claim a 2-2 draw against West Ham, with Alvarez scoring both goals.
2023/24 Premier League final standings:
City were involved in another epic title battle with Liverpool that went down to the last day of the season. Needing just one point to lift the title in the final day, City did just that, beating the Reds to the top spot on goal difference.
29 wins, four draws and five losses saw City pick up 91 points, with Guardiola's side and Liverpool both finishing 18 points ahead of Chelsea in third. City's goal difference was six higher than the Reds, with their defensive record the best in the league and making the difference.
Overall, according to Football Manager 2023's Premier League simulation for the 2023/24 campaign, City could pick up their fourth consecutive Premier League title, beating Liverpool to the trophy on goal difference. Despite a nervy end to the season, City were dominant throughout the 23/24 campaign with their impressive defensive record winning them the league.
What do you think of these City results for next season? Let us know in the comments below!
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