Manchester City saw off Southampton with a 1-0 victory on Matchday 9 of the 2024/25 Premier League season this Saturday. Erling Haaland returned to the scoresheet in the Premier League with the only game of the encounter after hitting twice past Sparta Prague in the midweek’s Champions League.
Erling Haaland’s early goal was enough to win the game for a wasteful City side who saw off a struggling Southampton side with another League defeat. The Saints remain at the bottom of the League table with just a point from their draw against Luton Town.
The victory propelled City to the top of the table, as they keep their pursuit for a fifth straight Premier League title ahead of recurring rivals – Arsenal and Liverpool. Pep Gladiola’s side has turned the Etihad into a fortress as they recorded their 35th game unbeaten on home turf in the Premier League and 14 games unbeaten in all competitions. In the last game against the Wolves, City’s 2-1 victory set the record for 31 games unbeaten in the Premier League. In the game against Southampton, they have extended this to 32 and marked another milestone under Pep Gladiola. This marked the fourth-longest unbeaten run in Premier League history.
The last time City was beaten in the Premier League was ten months ago (December 2023) against Aston Villa, almost hitting a year’s target. The last time they lost at home is dated back to November 9, 2022, against Brentford, nearing an impressive two-year mark.
POSSIBLE RETURN DATES FOR CITY STARS
Manchester City will unlikely have any of its injured players back for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham. Even if they were available, Pep Guardiola would likely opt against using them to ensure they don’t risk anything. Guardiola has already hinted that he plans to rotate the squad against Spurs in the Carabao Cup to help mitigate the workload his players give out in this season’s congested football schedule.
The next international break is in November; until then, City has four more crucial encounters to play. Gladiola’s decision to avoid substitutions in the narrow 1-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday suggests that he is keen on giving players from the bench a starting role against the North London side.
The injury toll on clubs has significantly affected Manchester City, which has seen their two key midfielders sidelined for most of the season. Below is a list of Manchester City players out of action and their possible return dates and fixtures.
KELVIN DE BRUYNE (Groin Injury): It was great to see Kevin De Bruyne back in action for Manchester City on the training ground a few weeks back. The Belgium captain returned to the sidelines following an injury that has seen him miss most of the 2024/25 season. He sustained his latest injury in the game against Inter Milan in Manchester City’s first game in the UEFA Champions League this season. The newest development following his groin injury shows the midfielder would not be fit to face Spurs in the League Cup this week. Still, he may be available against Bournemouth next weekend. He made six appearances and scored once with an assist earlier this season. He is expected to return before Man City’s Premier League home game against Spurs after the International break.
Kevin de Bruyne’s contract with Manchester City expires in June 2025 and it is uncertain if the Belgian would love to continue his spell in the Premier League. Several sources report that he prefers moving to the MLS over the Saudi Pro League. In a recent interview, he responded to a similar question, saying he is open to anything at his age.
JEREMY DOKU (Knock): Man City’s high-performing winger has been sidelined by a knock he picked up in the mail-biting game against Wolves. He missed the UCL clash with Sparta and against Southampton over the weekend. According to Pep Gladiola, He will likely be out until after the November international break. Since arriving at City from Rennes in a deal worth over £55.5m, Doku has been the go-to winger for Pep Guardiola’s side. This season alone he has two goals and assists from seven appearances. The Spanish coach mentioned last Friday that his recovery could take a few weeks, meaning he is also expected for City’s game with Tottenham on November 23.
KYLE WALKER (Knee Injury): Walker was sidelined for the Wolves match due to a fitness issue and is set to miss Wednesday’s game against his former side. Walker featured in one of England’s two games at the UEFA Nations League, but Gladiola remains uncertain whether the English wingback could take on the more competitive games at the club. He is likely to play against Bournemouth in City’s next Premier League fixture on Saturday.
JACK GREALISH (Knock): Jack Grealish didn’t feature in City’s last two games with a knock from the club’s first training session after the game with Wolves. The former Aston Villa man has scored and assisted twice this season in eleven games for City. Pep Gladiola confirmed the English winger would be available for City before the international break in November, possibly in the game against Bournemouth and the UCL clash with Sporting Lisbon.
OSCAR BOBB (Broken leg): The Norwegian international has been sidelined since the start of the season following a horror injury after his brilliance through the preseason for Pep Guardiola’s side. Bobb is expected to return to action in mid-December and will battle for his position on the right wing with the impressive Savinho.
RODRI (Knee Injury): A torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a nightmare for outfield athletes. Rodri suffered this severe fate early in the season and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Rodri is in line to rival Vinicius Jnr for the 2024 Ballon d’Or following his impressive feat of going undefeated while featuring for Man City and Spain. He led the Spanish team to the Euro 2024 victory and City to a fourth consecutive Premier League victory. Pep Guardiola’s side will cope without their star midfielder this season and hope he will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Here is a full line-up of Manchester City’s upcoming fixtures that City would endure without some of their key players:
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City, Carabao Cup, Wednesday 30th October, 20:15
Bournemouth vs Manchester City, Premier League, Saturday 2nd November, 15:00
Sporting Lisbon vs Manchester City, UEFA Champions League, Tuesday 5th November, 20:00
Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester City, Premier League, Saturday 9th November, 17:30
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Saturday 23rd November, 17:30
Manchester City vs Feyenoord, UEFA Champions League, Tuesday 26th November, 20:00
Liverpool vs Manchester City, Premier League, Sunday 1st December, 16:00
Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest, Premier League, Wednesday 4th December, 19:30
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City, Premier League, Saturday 7th December, 15:00
Juventus vs Manchester City, UEFA Champions League, Wednesday 11th December, 20:00
Manchester City vs Manchester United, Premier League, Sunday 15th December, 16:30
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Manchester City’s upcoming matches will be too decisive in their pursuit to extend their milestone in English football. The Manchester side has claimed the Premier League title four times in a row and are going strong to extend their streak. Pep Guardiola’s side has enjoyed six major titles in the last seven years and is the most successful English team in the 21st century. They still face the challenge of reclaiming their Premier League title this season while vying for other domestic titles. They are off to a great start in the 2024/25 UCL League phase at third place and seek to replicate their 2023 victory in the newly introduced League phase. Get your tickets today to see Manchester City in action at your favorite stadiums!