Man City have tougher Champions League target after rule changes

Manchester Evening News writer Simon Bajkowski argues that Manchester City face a tougher challenge securing a top-eight Champions League finish under the revamped 36-team format. While qualifying for the top-24 playoff round should be straightforward, Bajkowski emphasizes that finishing in the top eight is vital for English clubs to bypass extra playoff fixtures during an already congested January schedule.

According to Bajkowski, 16 points is generally considered the target to secure direct qualification to the round of 16. Following a recent defeat to PSG and an opening victory against Porto, Manchester City likely need five wins and a draw from their remaining matches against teams including AEK Athens, Napoli, Sporting, Leipzig, Barcelona, and Lens.