Pretty much like the previous season, the bookies have kept the Sky Blues as the favourites to the league title yet again. And given the names on the paper that the Manchester outfit boasts off, the bookies cannot be really blamed. More the number of world class talents one has, the more chances of winning one retain; it has been the most basic assumption for all leagues.
However, City’s crux has been their manager rather than the names they have in the squad. Even last season they had better players than most other clubs in the league but failed to land any kind of silverware, major or minor.
Strength
Quite obvious, City’s strength lies in their attack. And it’s not because of the new arrival of Bernardo Silva from AS Monaco. The Portuguese international would need more time to adapt to the physicality of the league before he starts making any sort of impact at the top level. City’s strength lies in two players- Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva. They are possibly the two best playmakers in the league by a large margin and with someone like Sergio Aguero in the attack, City possess the sword to pierce through any shield no matter how impenetrable it may seem.
Weakness
As was the case last season, central midfield could be a problem for City yet again. In Yaya Toure, they have a very trusted general without a doubt, but Guardiola has no plans to provide much cover for him it seems. Ilkay Gundogan remains his first choice definitely, but the manager’s fluid playing style would demand more players of Toure’s frame in the midfield to recover from a misstep.
In Fernandinho, they have an inconsistent and unruly player who has shown that he cannot be trusted with the job and mostly his discipline. Whether City hold onto Nasri or not remains to be seen but the counter attacks of the likes of Liverpool, Leicester City, Manchester United and more, which rely heavily on winning the ball high in opponent’s defensive third, can find City’s central midfield highly susceptible.
Key Players
Manchester City have spent over £200 million this summer and it goes without saying that they have multiple options who retain the ability to change the game single-handedly. However, it will be their old generals that Guardiola will depend more on who are one year more experienced with his tactics. Hence, the likes of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne remain the ones to take them home.
Expectations
Pretty much like Chelsea, City have mostly managed to get replacements on the lot that they had released at the season end. Hardly any could be said as an upgrade on the squad, to be honest. While Guardiola’s style of play can bring out great results from them right from the beginning, it is highly unlikely to continue throughout the season. We hope City to finish in the top four but that’s it.
