A month that will define the season's early rhythm

September is rarely a quiet month in football, but City's fixture list for the next four weeks carries a particular weight. Five games across three competitions, beginning with a home fixture against newly promoted Coventry City on Saturday 5th September (15:00 kick-off) and ending with a Premier League meeting with Sunderland at the Etihad on Sunday 20th September.

In between, there is a trip to Portugal, a derby, and the start of a cup defence. Enzo Maresca's first real test as City boss arrives in a concentrated burst.

The early running

Coventry arrive at the Etihad having lost their opening two Premier League games, including a home defeat to Hull City. Frank Lampard's side will be eager to put points on the board, but they face a City outfit looking to build momentum after the international break.

Three days later, on Tuesday 8th September (20:00), City travel to face Porto. The reigning Primeira Liga champions have won all four of their league games this season and, at the time of writing, are yet to concede. It is the kind of fixture that will tell us something about this squad's European credentials.

Then comes the derby. Sunday 13th September (16:30) sees City head across Manchester to face United. The red half of the city will be waiting.

Cup business and a homecoming

Thursday 17th September (19:30) brings the first appearance in this season's Carabao Cup, with Norwich City visiting the Etihad. City begin the defence of the trophy they won last season — a competition that has become something of a habit.

The month closes with Sunderland at home on Sunday 20th September (14:00). The Black Cats were excellent last season in their first campaign back in the top flight since 2017, and they will not be arriving for a holiday.

Where to watch

For UK viewers, live coverage is split between Sky Sports and TNT Sports. In the USA, NBC Sports carries the Premier League games, while ESPN and TNT Sports hold the rights in Mexico and across Central and South America.

Champions League matches are on CBS, DAZN and TelevisaUnivision, with FOX and TNT Sports also showing selected ties. Middle East viewers can tune in via SuperSport and beIN Sports, while Sky Sports, Stan Sport and Saran Media cover Asia-Pacific and other territories.

Five games, three competitions, one very telling month.