Man City's aims, ambitions and fixtures for final two months of 2024/25 season | OneFootball

Manchester City's 2024/25 campaign has been an overwhelming disaster but there is still time to secure some much-needed salvation in the final two months of the campaign.

Their calamitous Premier League title defence has been compounded by an early Champions League exit and their season could get worse yet. On the flip side, there remains the chance of respite and redemption.

With plenty still to play for at the Etihad, here are City's ambitions for the remainder of a challenging campaign.

Qualify for the Champions League

Man City still have a strong chance of making the top four / Stu Forster/GettyImages

Pep Guardiola has never failed to qualify for the Champions League during his illustrious coaching career. It was incomprehensible before the season started that this City side could bring that an astonishing streak to a conclusion, but there remains a distinct possibility that they're not feeding at Europe's top table next term.

The Cityzens are currently one point outside of the Premier League's top four but will be buoyed by their relatively friendly fixture run down the stretch. Their Champions League competitors have proven similarly inconsistent this term, which bodes well for the reigning Premier League champions.

However, no complacency can be afforded between now and the finish line. City's pedigree and individual quality will not secure them their place in the top four, something they have learned the hard way this term. Their performances need to improve to avoid an unthinkable year in the Europa League - or worse.

There are currently just five points separating Chelsea in fourth and Bournemouth in tenth, with plenty of competition for a Champions League berth. One would imagine City have enough in the tank to best their rivals, but it remains far from certain.

Win the FA Cup

The Cityzens have found some respite in the FA Cup / OLI SCARFF/GettyImages

City haven't finished a season without silverware since Guardiola's debut campaign in 2016/17 but that eventuality looms over them this year - if we're to exclude the Community Shield they claimed at the beginning of the campaign.

In any other season, City would be all but guaranteed to triumph in the FA Cup this season. The rest of the traditional 'big six' have been dumped out and Guardiola's squad is by far the most expensive and talented left standing.

However, City have already lost to four of their seven competitors for the FA Cup - Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa and quarter-final opponents Bournemouth - and have proven untrustworthy in one-off duels this term.

Muscle memory could kick in for the remainder of the competition, with Guardiola having won the FA Cup twice before, and lifting this year's trophy aloft is the bare minimum needed to save an underwhelming season.

Rediscover their identity

Pep Guardiola's side are a shadow of their former selves / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

City's malaise has been characterised by inconsistencies in defence and attack throughout the campaign, with Guardiola's side lacking their usual swagger and flair. Having been so dominant for so long, their dip in performances levels has been unexpected.

Guardiola will be desperate for his players to rediscover their mojo during the final few months of the campaign, building some much-needed momentum ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and the 2025/26 campaign.

City's lack of confidence will not make turning the corner simple, but the quality of their squad is undeniable. They all know how to play the Guardiola way and must demonstrate that on a regular basis during the closing months of the season.

Man City's remaining 2024/25 fixtures

Man City face Man Utd at Old Trafford shortly after the international break / Tom Jenkins/GettyImages

The Cityzens have ten guaranteed fixtures remaining this season, beginning with their FA Cup quarter-final at Bournemouth immediately after the international break. Should they progress and reach the showpiece event, they will play the semi-final and final at Wembley Stadium - the latter staged on 17 May.

City avoid the division's big dogs during their nine remaining Premier League matches but they can't afford to take any fixture lightly given their current form. Leicester City at home several days after their FA Cup duel with Bournemouth should see them climb the table, although a trip to rivals Manchester United the following weekend will prove a sterner test.

Guardiola's men follow the Manchester derby with matches against Crystal Palace, Everton and Aston Villa in April, with fixtures against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham coming in May. There are plenty of banana skins between now and the end of the term.