da prosport bet： A more dramatic title victory would be hard to find, and the last day of the season for Manchester City provided thrills and spills not seen before. Mancini and his men were crowned Champions after just piping United to the post, and will be looking to retain their crown in slightly less dramatic fashion this time out, not to mention a better show in Europe being a must.
da pinnacle： City will look ahead to this season to show that they are not just a rich flash in the pan, but are here to stay and the only way to do that is by adding more trophies to the already growing loot. So is that what lies in store for the formerly noisy neighbours?
Signing of the Summer –
Something that has caused somewhat of a stir at the Ethiad, City have been very quiet in the transfer market this summer with even a lack of silly season rumours. Of course they were players in the RVP love square but did not really need the player and for whatever reason have decided that the Dutchman is not for them. It is a slim pickings award, but the title goes to promising former Everton player Jack Rodwell who cost City £15 million – mostly because he is English and thus price becomes seriously inflated. Will the boy break through? It remains to be seen, but Rodwell is highly rated and given the chance could make an impact at the club.
One To Watch –
Without a doubt City’s most unpredictable player has to take this honour. Love him or loath him, Mario Balotelli is a fantastic player who is only growing in stature after a brilliant Euros. If the player finally manages to curb his eccentricity slightly – not all the way, after all we love him for it most of the time – and the Italian would be my bet for not only top scorer, but for player of the season too.
Breakthrough of the Season –
Jack Rodwell could again feature here, as despite his move to City he is by no means a starter and will have a huge fight on his hands to land a regular first team place at the Ethiad. Whilst many feel that going across the North West may have been career suicide, Rodwell himself must believe he can make an impact in not just the City squad but potentially the England one too – this will be a huge season for the young player – make or break.
Prospects In Europe –
A difficult group last year was the undoing of City and they will be in a similar situation this time around with the seeding, so it will be hard from the offset. Mancini never won the trophy with Inter and looked out of his depth at times tactically, yet with a much better squad than when he was in Italy and indeed great pressure for a better showing from the owners, City will simply have to improve on last season – but to win the trophy? Unlikely at best.
And Retaining the Title –
Whilst there has not been a flurry of transfer activity at City this summer, there was not really much need for one, and their champions will be a year older and wiser. United have promised big spending but thus far failed to really deliver and Mancini will fancy City’s chances again. They will have to make sure not to take their eye off the ball should they progress in the Champions League, but barring a mass disaster, City look odds on to retain their crown.
What Will They End Up With?
Carling Cup – Not one that City will really have their eye on, so expect to see the reserves and fringe players making appearances in this competition. A last 4 showing with a subsequent defeat will be their lot in this one.
FA Cup – Although it is not seen as a huge trophy, a domestic double is what City could well be looking at this season, and an appearance in the final of the FA Cup with a probable victory – depending on if they have made the final cut in Europe.
Champions League – After the poor showing last time out, City have the benefit of experience behind them and will be looking to make it out of the groups as a minimum requirement. The Champions League is very dependent on the draws, and should City get a decent one, a last 8 appearance is what they should be working towards here.
Premier League – It is always harder to retain a trophy than to win it in the first place, and City will make that their top priority this season. With yet another ACON coming up they will have to do better than last year without Toure and will be praying Kompany stays fit and avoids suspensions – again something that cost them dearly last term. It will be hard going, but City will become Champions once again.
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