January
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Another tricky month for Guardiola and his men as they first go head to head in the first game of 2017 at home against Burnley which guarantees to be three points for the hosts. City visit Goodison Park which is always a tough place to go and the team has to be on song to beat the Toffees. Spurs come calling next to the Etihad and are going to be a tough opponent who will try to replicate their good form from last season.
The last game of January will be the first visit to West Ham's new ground, the Olympic Stadium, which promises to provide a great atmosphere. City would do very well if they go through this set of fixtures unscathed. Though the start to the season looks easy on paper for the Citizens, mid-season is equally tough which presents a tough test for Guardiola.
February
City welcome Swansea next who once looked threatening during the days of Michael Laudrup but now are not the same side anymore. Bournemouth away too doesn’t look like a fixture that can derail Man City's title hopes. The old rivals Manchester United visit the Etihad next which is looking like a title decider since both the Manchester clubs.
March
Sunderland can be said as Man City's bogey team as City have lost 1-0 in their last four visits to the Stadium of Light. They haven't won on Wearside since 2008 and Guardiola will look to change this dubious record. Stoke visit the Etihad next which appears to be sure shot three points for the hosts.
Liverpool come calling next, and they could be challenging to get into the top four next season. City must win all three games if they want to keep the pressure on the other rivals and with the season coming to an end in a couple of months, every point will be crucial.
April
Another busy month as it features six matches with Arsenal first up. The Gunners will also be in the running for a top spot along with Man City and the Manchester club doesn't have a good record against the side from London at the Emirates but they must look for at least a point.
After that, it's another dreadful away fixture against Chelsea who are going to get better and more organised with each passing day under Conte. City must avoid defeat in these two games if they want to keep a hold on proceedings at the top of the table.
The next three games against Hull, Southampton, Middlesborough and West Brom are all winnable and City must not slip up against these type of sides at any cost. The teams battling for survival are always dangerous and Guardiola's players must not lose focus against such teams. These three games must yield nine points as the league reaches its end in May.
May
City face Palace at home in the first week of May which will be a must win game at this stage of the season. Leicester take on the Citizens next and will find it hard to defend their title but as always will provide tough opposition. A trip to Vicarage Road to face Watford in the last game of the season promised to be an easy one and a definite three points and might be useful if the league goes to the last day of the season to decide it's winner.
Predicted finish: Top 2
Pep Guardiola faces his biggest test of his career and has all the tools at his disposal to challenge for the title in his first season. He has an exciting and a talented squad which has all the qualities to go all the way and win the coveted prize in May. It all depends on how quickly Guardiola adjusts to the demands in England and can work his magic in the Premier League.
