Manchester City face nightmare Carabao Cup fixture headache with just 49 hours between Arsenal and Watford clashes | OneFootball

Manchester City will have just one day to prepare for their Carabao Cup third round clash against Watford at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side are facing a fixture scheduling nightmare later this month, with Manchester City’s Carabao Cup third round clash against Watford scheduled to take place just 49 hours after a Premier League meeting with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City, who are bidding to win an unprecedented fifth successive Premier League title this season, face a crucial period with matches against both Arsenal and Newcastle United, as well as a UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan.

Meetings between Manchester City and Arsenal have proved decisive in the outcome of the Premier League title race in recent seasons, with the Blues and the Gunners having battled for the trophy during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

The Blues have won their opening three matches of the Premier League season and currently top the table, with only Arne Slot’s Liverpool having maintained a winning start to the new campaign.

The Premier League is one of five further trophies on offer to Guardiola’s side this season, with the Blues also looking to lift the Carabao Cup trophy for the first time since 2021.

Manchester City will begin their League Cup campaign at the Etihad Stadium against Watford, with the Sky Bet Championship side visiting east Manchester on the evening of Tuesday 24 September.

The third round tie, which has had to be initially rescheduled due to the Champions League, will take place just 49 hours after Manchester City’s clash against Arsenal, in a nightmare scenario for Guardiola.

Manchester City also have been given the early kick-off slot on Saturday 28 September, when the Blues visit St James’ Park to face Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The scheduling of the fixture for the Tuesday is reportedly due to concerns raised by Greater Manchester Police, with Manchester United hosting FC Twente in the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday 25 September at Old Trafford.

Confirmed Manchester City September and October Fixtures

14/09/2024 – Manchester City vs Brentford (15:00 BST)18/09/2024 – Manchester City vs Inter Milan (20:00 BST)22/09/2024 – Manchester City vs Arsenal (16:30 BST)24/09/2024 – Manchester City vs Watford (19:45 BST)28/09/2024 – Newcastle United vs Manchester City (12:30 BST)01/10/2024 – Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City (20:00 BST)05/10/2024 – Manchester City vs Fulham (15:00 BST)20/10/2024 – Wolves vs Manchester City (14:00 BST)23/10/2024 – Manchester City vs Sparta Prague (20:00 BST)26/10/2024 – Manchester City vs Southampton (15:00 BST)