Pre-Season Preview: Manchester City

They were crowned champions last season but do Manchester City have enough quality to win three consecutive Premier League titles?

Manchester City retained the Premier League title as they romped to a domestic treble, winning the FA Cup and League Cup alongside it.  They were battling to the wire with Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side, but a fine run of form after Christmas ensured City took home another title.

It was somewhat of a breakout season for Raheem Sterling, who scored vital goals and showed the best form of his career under Pep Guardiola, seemingly thriving in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne who suffered an injury ravaged season.

Vincent Kompany ended his time at Manchester City a legend, moving on to Anderlecht after all but securing the title with a stunning strike against Leicester City. The Belgian international stepping up as club captain in their time of need is something Guardiola will need to replace going forward.

Transfers

Manchester City spent big in the areas they needed reinforcements, with Rodri coming in from Atletico Madrid for a fee of £63m, a long terms replacement for the vital Fernandinho in midfield.

They also shipped out Danilo to Juventus in part exchange for flying Portguese full back Joao Cancelo, who is ready to take over from the ageing Kyle Walkerat right back in a deal worth £58.5m.

Fabian Delph departed for Everton in a £9m deal whilst Douglas Luiz, who had suffered from work permit issues since he joined the club, made a move to Premier League newcomers Aston Villa.

Fixtures

Manchester City travel to West Ham United in the first game of the season, followed a huge game when Tottenham visit the Etihad. Four winnable game follow as they face Bournemouth at The Vitality, Brighton at home, make the long trip to Norfolk to face newly promoted Norwich City. Last seasons FA Cup final opponents Watford then travel to Manchester in the hope of avenging that 6-0 defeat.

Manager

Guardiola is ready for another tough season in their quest to retain the Premier League title, expecting more than just Liverpool to challenge;

After the Community Shield win, Guardiola said:

“I don’t think there will be two contenders to win the Premier League.

“United have signed Maguire. There will be many contenders this time.

“Liverpool are the Champions of Europe that’s why I give a lot of credit for our victory today.

“They are a top-class team. The difference was one penalty. It’s good to face them to see how well prepared we have to be to try and win the titles.”

Targets

Manchester City will look to replicate an English football record as they try to win their third league title in a row, whilst the FA Cup and League Cup remain a target.

But the crown jewel for Manchester City is the Champions League, they fell short against Tottenham last season in a dramatic final few minutes. Spurs went on to lose the final to Liverpool, but Guardiola and his side would be disappointed knowing if they were in the final, it may have been a different story.

Expected starting XI

Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, De Bruyne,  D Silva; B Silva, Aguero, Sterling