It means Ben Wilkinson’s side will place in the top five, with our final league standing to be confirmed once the final few Gameweek 20 matches have been played later this week.
Our high placement in the top 16 means City are guaranteed to be on home soil for our first Play-Off clash in the Round of 16, with all the information you need for our entire Play-Off route below…
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
This is the third season of the new format for the PL2 which sees the 29 teams play 10 home and 10 away fixtures. Then, the top 16 best-placed sides advance to the Play-Offs.
After an inconsistent start to the campaign, City found consistency in 2026. As a result, City went on to win 13, draw one and lose six. Nine of those triumphs were on home soil, with our only draw at the Joie to see us complete the League Phase unbeaten at home.
That means we have completed the first part of the season with 40 points and the best goal difference of 38.
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SO, WHO does that mean CITY PLAY?
With Ipswich still to play their final game, against Everton, we could drop to fourth if they pick up all three points on the road. If they don’t triumph over the Toffees, City will remain third.
WHAT DOES THE PLAY-OFF STAGE CONSIST OF?
The play-off champions will be determined by four single-leg knockout matches.
City’s journey will begin with a Round of 16 fixture, with the games/route to the final based on the seedings of the 16 teams following the completion of the League Phase.
If a winner isn’t decided in 90 minutes, the games will go to extra-time before a penalty shootout if a decisive goal still cannot be scored.
Our opponent will also be decided based on Aston Villa’s outcome in their trip to Stoke. Depending on the Villans’ result, City could face Sunderland or West Ham or Arsenal.
An update on who Wilkinson’s side will face will be made on mancity.com and the Official Man City App later this week.
WHEN WILL THE FIXTURES TAKE PLACE?
Round of 16: Friday 24 April – Monday 27 April
Quarter-finals: Friday 1 May – Monday 4 May
Semi-finals: Friday 8 May – Monday 11 May
Final: Friday 15 May – Monday May
WHAT IS OUR ROUTE TO THE FINAL?
This will be confirmed once all the remaining PL2 League Phase fixtures for other teams have been played.
An update will be provided on Saturday 18 April.
