PremierLeaguePreview

Manchester City

Manchester City simply blew away teams at the Etihad.

Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Captain: Vincent Kompany
13/14 position: 1st
Top League Goalscorer: Yaya Toure 20

The appointment of Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad was, well, slightly against the opinion of the supporters of Manchester City. The dearly loved Roberto Mancini, known as “Bobby Manc” by the fans and Italy flags were often seen above Sky Blue shirts at Wembley and Eastlands, was no longer what City wanted, and the ex-Malaga boss from Chile was brought in as the Sky Blues wanted a more “holistic approach”.

By the end of the season, as City celebrated a league and cup double, Mancini is now a distant but well thought of memory. The players may have different opinions, as the former Sampdoria darling was seen in a rather different light by those who worked under him. Pellegrini is popular off the pitch, and the team that he set up is extremely popular on it.

Beating city rivals United 4–1 and 0–3 will have been sweet for the fans of the “noisy neighbours”.

In the four years since the Abu Dhabi investment announced itself by signing Brazil international Robinho, the team and club has moved into a position where it is no longer seen as just rich, but powerful too. A challenge to be kings of Europe is the next step, but for fans of ‘Citeh’, known for their support of their club through thick and thin, being champions over those who belittled them are good enough.

The double signing of Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala from Porto add strength to an already ludicrously strong squad. There was talk that talisman Yaya Toure wanted out, after an almost scandalous claim the £225k a week man wasn’t respected in Manchester by his agent, but for now it seems the Ivorian is set to lead another title charge. They’d take second, if it means they can properly challenge for Europe, however. 2nd.

FANS OPINION: Kyle Debelak @mcfc_kyle_nyr

What is your idea of a good season for your club? For Manchester City, a good season for our club would be one trophy at the minimum and improving on our Champions League performance from last season.

Worst case scenario?
No trophies and a pitiful performance in the Champions League.

Best player?
Yaya Toure is our best player. Can alter the course of a match in an instant.

Player you’d happily drive to his next club?
Dedryck Boyata. Awful, awful defender. He was only given a new contract so our homegrown quota could be kept.

Fans hero?
Sergio Aguero for his famous goal in May 2012. You know the one.

If you could pick, who would you want your team to do the double over this year?
Manchester United obviously, but based off of his recent quotes (Lampard/NYCFC), I’d love to destroy Wenger’s Arsenal.

League winners?
One of Manchester City, Chelsea, or Liverpool.

Relegated?
Burnley, Hull, and Sunderland.

Surprise package?
Leicester I think will surprise a few people. Had an extremely good season in the Championship.

Who will win the golden boot?
Diego Costa.