Manchester City to retain their title (video)

It wasn’t the ideal transfer window for Manchester City; however a positive deadline day saw them bring in not only quality, but quantity and for me I expect them to regain their Barclays Premier League crown. Having Carlos Tevez back for the last few games of the previous season was key as the former United man quickly rediscovered his best form, the highlight an incredible hat-trick away to Norwich. The prospect of an all Argentine strike force, this time for a full season, with Tevez teaming up with Sergio Aguero is a frightening.

During pre-season and the Charity Shield Roberto Mancini played three at the back, and it will be interesting to see if the Italian attempts this during the Premier League season. Kolo Toure is out of favour and considering new signing Matija Nastasic’s best years are ahead of him, there’s a chance their new signing Jack Rodwell may have to slot in alongside Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott.

An incredible home form (that saw them only slip up once in 19 games) was the key behind their title run. It is unlikely that they’ll be able to repeat such excellent form at the Ethiad, so Mancini will be looking for better away form from the Champions, after dropping 23 points on their travels last year.

Key player – Yaya Toure. City’s penultimate game of the previous season was a tricky looking away fixture against Newcastle which they needed to win, and the Ivorian put in a performance that arguably ranked higher then any in the season. He’s as good going forward as he is putting a shift in defensively, ensuring Toure is one of the first names on the team sheet. With another African Cup of Nations this Premier League season, City will need to cop without their inspirational midfielder.

Prediction 1st- Despite a relatively transfer window, I still expect City to regain their title. Going forward they are at times unplayable, whilst defensively they’ve improved. Having already hurdled the ‘winning it for the first time’ obstacle, it’s going to be hard for United or anyone for that matter to capture the Premier League away from Mancini’s men.

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