Manchester City Season Preview - How will the champions fare in their title defence?
Manchester City sauntered to the Premier League title last season and Pep Guardiola will be demanding much of the same from his players in the coming campaign. City broke records left, right and centre on their way to reclaiming the domestic crown and the challenge will be to defend the title with those behind them investing heavily to close the gap at the top. It won’t be plain sailing for the champions this time around, that’s for sure.
One to Watch - Phil Foden
In Manchester City’s star studded lineup, a youngster will hope to be handed the opportunity to prove he is a long-term fixture in the side. 18-year-old Phil Foden made just five league appearances for the champions last season totalling 45 minutes, in the process becoming the youngest ever Premier League winner. Such is his desire to succeed for City that the teenager opted against representing England U19s to instead go on the club’s pre-season tour. He’s been likened to City hero David Silva and if he can live up to the billing, then head coach Pep Guardiola has a diamond in the rough that he’ll know how to polish.
Best Signing - Riyad Mahrez
Manchester City pressed to sign Riyad Mahrez in January when it was reported that Leroy Sane would miss a significant chunk of the season with an ankle issue. However, Leicester refused to sell the Algerian, which saw City wait until the summer to land the Algerian. After shining as a big fish in something of a small pond, it’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts to playing in a dominant side. Nevertheless, he was one of a handful of Premier League players to register double figures for goals (12) and assists (10) and if he can transfer his excellent Leicester form to the Etihad Stadium, then City become an significantly more terrifying attacking threat.
Your new number 26!@Mahrez22 💙 #welcomeriyad pic.twitter.com/g1UMciVY4P
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 10, 2018
Area of Weakness
At 33 years of age, Fernandinho doesn’t have much longer at the top. He penned a new deal until 2020 at the turn of the year, yet City need to start planning without the Brazilian sooner rather than later. Ilkay Gundogan can play in a similar role, yet his injury concerns can flare up at any time which is cause for concern in the midfield. There is still time to add to the squad before the close of the transfer window and it may be worth looking into adding a designated holding midfielder to allow City’s attackers to flourish.
Prediction / Best Bet
City have made just one big name summer signing in Mahrez, yet for a side that dominated so easily last season, there is little room for improvement in this squad, particularly when factoring in the youth team players at Guardiola’s disposal. That being said, it won’t be so easy for City in the coming campaign. They have a settled squad and that should stand them in good stead as they look to defend their Premier League crown. Odds of 1.73 to win the title with Ladbrokes may not be the most enticing, but you’ll be hard pressed to find value on City as the new season nears.
