The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at Manchester City amid their struggles to finish in the Premier League top five and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

The 2024/25 Premier League season has not gone to plan for Manchester City, a team that was aiming to win their fifth top-flight crown in a row. The reigning champions faced a series of challenges that have tested the resolve of everyone, and this has ultimately made fishing fourth the target, which would be an achievement at this stage.

Finishing in the top four will be a testament to the determination and resilience of the players and manager Pep Guardiola. In recent times, Manchester City have been the dominant force in English football, winning six titles in seven years. A freak campaign and Liverpool ending their long wait for the Premier League title was the only thing stopping them from going seven in a row.

However, the current season has seen a sharp deviation from Manchester City’s usual astronomical levels. Pep Guardiola’s men have encountered a dramatic collapse, marked by key injuries and unexpected defeats. Recent losses to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and Liverpool in the Premier League have intensified talk about a need for a rebuild. They have also suffered many shock losses, including to Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.

The squad has been plagued by injuries to pivotal players at times, and this has disrupted the team’s performance. The absence of key players such as Rodri has exposed vulnerabilities, with the team conceding an unusually high number of goals. The Spanish international will not return until next season.

Guardiola’s possession-based strategy appears less effective, which has prompted a re-evaluation of the tactical approach deployed. As Premier League betting online suggests, City, formerly the  team to beat, are now beatable according to the odds.

Compounding the on-pitch struggles are off-field issues. Manchester City continue to be embroiled in legal battles concerning alleged breaches of financial regulations. The Citizens face 115 charges related to financial misconduct, with potential penalties ranging from hefty fines to points deductions or even expulsion from the top flight.

These allegations continue to cast a shadow over the club’s operations, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and distraction. Amidst all of the above, securing fourth place would be a remarkable accomplishment for Manchester City this season, although a fifth-placed finish will also be enough to secure UEFA Champions League qualification.

Such a standing would ensure qualification for the Champions League next season, preserving the club’s presence in Europe’s premier club competition and providing essential financial  benefits. Given the intense competition in the Premier League and the internal adversities faced, finishing in the top four/five would be a net positive, especially from a mentality point of view.

In a season fraught with difficulties on and off the pitch, what is important is to have a strong finish to the season and to be ready to go again next. Qualifying for the UEFA Champions League gives Manchester City a chance to really go for it this summer because they will have the funds to acquire players needed as part of their rebuild.

The rebuild will also witness a passing of the guard, with Kevin De Bruyne set to call time on his legendary stint at the Etihad. So, Manchester City will also be able to offer players, including De Bruyne’s successor, the chance to play in the Champions League, meaning they will be shopping in the high-end market, which is a requirement if you are to be a team competing for Premier League titles.

Only a few weeks remain for Manchester City to secure UEFA Champions League qualification. The Citizens are currently sixth in the standings, a point behind Chelsea and Newcastle United. However, they also run the risk of falling further down the table, with seventh-placed Aston Villa a point behind them.