Manchester City will head into 2016-17 with high hopes after a slightly disappointing campaign last time out.
The appointment of Pep Guardiola as manager showed that the Sky Blues mean business, with the Spaniard’s past success across Europe speaking volumes. The former Bayern Munich coach has won every possible trophy in his relatively short, yet impressive career in management.
Offseason Recruits
Guardiola wasted no time in rebuilding what was a below-par City squad, with Ilkay Gundogan becoming his first signing from Borussia Dortmund. £20 million was paid to secure the midfielder’s services, while young German talent Leroy Sane also moved to City for a staggering £37 million from Schalke.
Spanish forward Nolito is another good addition after the club parted with less than £14 million to sign him from Celta Vigo. The 29-year-old’s versatility to play anywhere in-and-around the striker makes him a shrewd buy for Guardiola. Australia’s Aaron Mooy also joined the Citizens, although he was immediately sent out on loan to Championship outfit Huddersfield Town. In similar fashion Brazilian prodigy Gabriel Jesus was signed, but will remain on loan at Palmeiras until January 2017. Youngsters Marlos Moreno and Oleksandr Zinchenko also put pen to paper for moves to the Etihad.
Strengths
City’s strengths will undoubtedly be their attacking force. Despite an array of talented players in dangerous areas, the signings of Nolito and Sane have further strengthened their firepower. Guardiola is known for his attacking style of football and it will not be a surprise if we see this side rack up the goals this season. Sergio Aguero has been prolific for the Citizens ever since he arrived in Manchester and the manager will be banking on the Argentine to continue his form.
The Sky Blues were already the top scoring side in the league last season, and all evidence seems to point to them doing the same this time around.
Weaknesses
While reinforcements have been added in nearly all other areas of the park, Guardiola is yet to sign a defender, a position that City needed to improve on the most. While one can expect much more controlled and organised football from the four-time champions this season, there is still doubt over their defensive abilities. Martin Demichelis’ contract was not renewed, meaning that it is more than likely that the club will sign another defender before the season begins. Vincent Kompany’s recurring injury problems and Eliaquim Mangala’s inconsistency leave a big gap in City’s defence and Guardiola will know he must sign a quality centre-back if his side are to be serious contenders for silverware. Joe Hart, who was a saving grace in defence between the posts last season, has also been in poor form after his disastrous Euro 2016 campaign.
Key Player – Sergio Aguero
The Argentine has been City’s top scorer in the league for four of the last five seasons, barring the one in which he did manage to finish top scorer across all competitions. It is not easy to look past Aguero when it comes to being the club’s most important player. The 28-year-old never seems to lose form or focus, even after returning from a number of injury lay-offs.
With Wilfried Bony likely to leave before the transfer window closes, Nolito and Kalechi Iheanacho will serve as worthy replacements, keeping the Argentine as Guardiola’s first choice striker.
Prediction
The appointment of Guardiola itself positions City as major title contenders this season. The Spaniard has won six league titles in each of the last seven years that he has been in management. However, this campaign is set to be one of the most challenging yet, so a lot of their hope may come down to the fitness of Sergio Aguero.
Predicted finish – 2nd
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