Man City fixtures: Next six games after Sheffield United win puts champions top

• Manchester City battled past newly promoted Sheffield United despite Erling Haaland’s penalty miss
• The Champions League holders will defend their European crown next month
• Matches against Fulham and West Ham are up next

Rodri battered in a late winner for Manchester City against Sheffield United / Alex Livesey/GettyImages

Manchester City were made to fight for all three points against newly promoted Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon.

Erling Haaland did no favours for Pep Guardiola’s health as the absent manager watched his star striker drag a first-half penalty against the post. Haaland eventually forced the ball over the line, nodding in City’s 23rd effort of the match.

The Blades struck back through Jayden Bogle but were level for less than four minutes before Rodri crashed City level.

Here’s what lies ahead for the only Premier League side that still boasts a perfect Premier League record this season.

Man City vs Fulham – Premier LeagueManchester City have not lost to Fulham since 2009 / Chloe Knott – Danehouse/GettyImages

Manchester City have a positive record against most teams in recent years but their meetings with Fulham have been laughably one-sided of late.

Guardiola’s side have beaten the Cottagers 14 times in a row across all competitions. The last time Fulham emerged with a share of the spoils, there was still a Michael Jackson statue outside Craven Cottage.

• 02/09/23 – Man City vs Fulham (15:00)

West Ham vs Man City – Premier LeagueDavid Moyes has overseen a fast start for West Ham United this season / Henry Browne/GettyImages

Before a ball has been kicked, the pattern of the battle on the pitch and in stands between West Ham United and Manchester City is already clear.

While both sets of supporters revel in the novelty of promoting their status as “Champions of Europe”, West Ham will no doubt cede possession and territory to City, biding their time before striking on the counter. Chelsea and Brighton have already discovered how effective this tactic can be.

• 16/09/23 – West Ham vs Man City (15:00)

2023/24 Champions League group stage – Matchday 1Manchester City are the reigning Premier League champions / FABRICE COFFRINI/GettyImages

Theoretically, Manchester City could be drawn into a Champions League group with Real Madrid – last season’s semi-finalists – Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic, champions of Ukraine and Scotland respectively.

The guesswork can end once the balls have been plucked on 31 August.

• 19-20/09/23 – Champions League group stage – Matchday 1