The 2026/27 Premier League season could be one of the most fascinating chapters in Manchester City’s modern history.

For more than a decade, City became synonymous with possession, tactical control, relentless pressing and trophy-winning consistency under Pep Guardiola. But this season represents a major turning point. Guardiola has left the club, Enzo Maresca has taken charge, and several established stars have departed.

Yet one thing has not changed: Manchester City still have Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and a squad packed with elite-level talent.

So the big question is simple:

Can anyone stop Manchester City in 2026/27?

A New Era at the Etihad

The biggest storyline surrounding City is undoubtedly the change in management.

Enzo Maresca has inherited the enormous task of following Guardiola, whose Manchester City reign produced six Premier League titles and culminated in the historic 2023 treble. Maresca is not an outsider, however. He previously worked within City’s coaching structure and understands the club’s footballing philosophy.

His challenge will be to maintain City’s winning mentality while introducing his own ideas.

That could make the 2026/27 season less predictable than previous City campaigns.

The Rodri Problem

If there is one area that could determine City’s season, it is midfield.

Rodri’s departure to Barcelona leaves an enormous hole. The Spaniard was not simply another midfielder; he was the player who gave City control, balance and protection.

City have invested heavily in Elliot Anderson, reportedly paying £116 million for the Nottingham Forest midfielder. The club is also looking at additional midfield options as Maresca attempts to rebuild the centre of the pitch.

Replacing Rodri’s influence will not be easy.

City may have to become more flexible tactically rather than attempting to find a direct replacement.

Erling Haaland: City’s Biggest Weapon

Despite all the changes around him, Erling Haaland remains the ultimate difference-maker.

The Norwegian striker scored 38 goals last season and remains one of the most dangerous forwards in world football. His ability to turn half-chances into goals gives City an advantage that few Premier League teams can match.

If Haaland stays fit and receives consistent service, City will always have a realistic chance of winning the title.

The arrival of a new manager could also encourage City to use Haaland differently, potentially giving him more space to attack.

Phil Foden Has a Point to Prove

Another major storyline will be Phil Foden.

The Manchester City academy graduate has committed his future to the club until 2030, but the 2025/26 campaign was a difficult one individually. He recorded 10 goals and seven assists across 50 appearances, while his form was not enough to earn a place in England’s World Cup squad.

A new manager could be exactly what Foden needs.

If Maresca can restore Foden’s confidence and consistently get him into dangerous positions, City could become considerably more unpredictable in attack.

City Still Have Incredible Squad Depth

Even after a major summer overhaul, writing Manchester City off would be extremely dangerous.

The club still possesses world-class talent throughout the squad, while young players are increasingly being given opportunities.

The summer has seen significant departures, including Bernardo Silva, Nathan Aké, Manuel Akanji and John Stones, while City have added players such as Anderson and promising young talent.

This means the 2026/27 City squad may look very different from the team that dominated English football for years.

But different does not necessarily mean weaker.

Arsenal: The Biggest Threat?

If there is one team that currently looks particularly capable of challenging City, it is Arsenal.

Arsenal enter the season as defending Premier League champions after finally ending City’s domestic dominance. Unlike City, Arsenal have continuity under Mikel Arteta and have strengthened their squad with major additions including Bruno Guimarães and Ezri Konsa.

That stability could prove crucial.

While City are learning a new system under Maresca, Arsenal already know exactly what Arteta expects.

The title race could therefore come down to City’s individual quality versus Arsenal’s continuity and structure.

What About Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United?

City will not have only one challenger.

Liverpool are also entering a new era under Andoni Iraola following the departure of Arne Slot, while Chelsea have appointed Xabi Alonso and are looking to rebuild their reputation among the Premier League elite. Manchester United, meanwhile, are hoping to continue their improvement under Michael Carrick.

The interesting factor is that several major Premier League clubs are undergoing managerial or squad changes at the same time.

That could make the 2026/27 title race unusually open.

The Biggest Question: Can Maresca Handle the Pressure?

This could ultimately determine everything.

At Manchester City, finishing second is not necessarily considered success. The expectation is to challenge for trophies every season.

Maresca therefore has to deal with enormous pressure from the beginning.

City’s opening Premier League fixture is against Bournemouth on August 23, followed by Crystal Palace away and then a Manchester derby at Old Trafford in the fourth league matchweek.

A strong start could immediately convince supporters that the post-Guardiola transition is working.

A poor start, however, could create questions very quickly.

Why Manchester City Can Still Win the League

There are several reasons City remain serious title contenders:

• Erling Haaland gives them an elite goalscorer.
• Phil Foden has the ability to become one of the league’s most influential attacking players.
• Maresca understands City’s football culture.
• The club has enormous financial and squad-building resources.
• Young players can provide energy and depth.
• City have experience dealing with pressure and title races.
• Their technical quality remains among the best in England.

Even during periods of transition, City are capable of winning games through individual brilliance.

Why They Could Fall Short

There are equally convincing reasons to doubt them.

The biggest concern is the loss of experience.

Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Aké represent significant departures. Replacing their quality, leadership and tactical understanding will take time.

Then there is the Guardiola factor.

Replacing one of the most successful managers in modern football is never straightforward.

Maresca may eventually build something excellent, but expecting instant perfection would be unrealistic.

Our Prediction

Manchester City should still be considered one of the favourites for the 2026/27 Premier League title.

However, this does not feel like the unstoppable City of their peak Guardiola years.

For the first time in a long time, there are genuine questions around the club.

Can Maresca replace Guardiola’s tactical influence?

Can City survive without Rodri?

Can Haaland remain prolific?

Can Foden rediscover his best form?

And most importantly:

Can Arsenal maintain their momentum?

Our prediction is that Manchester City will remain in the title race until the final stages of the season, but Arsenal’s continuity could give them a slight advantage.

Predicted Finish: Manchester City — 2nd

City may not dominate the Premier League in the same way they once did, but expecting them to disappear from the title picture would be a mistake.

The 2026/27 season could therefore be less about whether Manchester City are still a great team — they clearly are — and more about whether the rest of the Premier League has finally found a way to consistently beat them.

And that is what makes this season so exciting.

Manchester City’s empire may be entering a new era. But the throne is still theirs to defend.