Soccer

Manchester City Premier League Preview – surely they won’t win it FIVE times in a row… right?

Photo of Nicky Nicky06/08/2024 - 06:45 am
Manchester City are gunnning for their FIFTH straight Premier League title!
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Read our comprehensive preview to Arsenal’s season here!

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City dominate the Premier League in a way that hasn’t been seen in a long time, if ever. The big question on everyone’s mind is: Can Manchester City win five titles in a row? City have consistently set the standard for excellence. However, with each passing season, the pressure mounts, and the competition grows fiercer.

City’s squad remains incredibly strong, boasting world-class talents and depth across all positions. Their tactical prowess, combined with Guardiola’s managerial genius, has made them the team to beat. But this season, they face formidable challenges from an ever-improving Arsenal, a new-look Liverpool, and other top contenders eager to dethrone them.

Winning the Premier League five times in a row is an unprecedented feat in the modern era, and many wonder if City can maintain their stranglehold on the title. Will their squad’s depth and experience be enough to fend off the competition, or will the hunger and determination of their rivals finally topple the reigning champions? The stage is set for another thrilling Premier League campaign.

2023/24 Season Recap: Champions for a record FOURTH straight season

PositionTeamPointsWinsDrawsLossesGoal Difference
1Manchester City912873+62
2Arsenal892855+62
3Liverpool8224104+45
It went down to the wire!

Manchester City achieved a historic milestone by winning the Premier League title for a record fourth consecutive season in 2023/24. This triumph, part of a treble-winning campaign that also saw City lift the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, underscores their dominance in English football under Pep Guardiola.

City’s campaign was marked by several key performances and results. Erling Haaland, who netted 27 goals, and Phil Foden, who scored 19 goals and provided 8 assists, were pivotal in their success. Foden’s contributions were particularly crucial during the title run-in, where he delivered match-winning performances, including hat-tricks against Brentford and Aston Villa.

One of the critical matches of the season was City’s 3-1 victory over West Ham on the final day, which secured the title amidst intense competition from Arsenal. Another significant moment was their 2-0 win against Arsenal at the Emirates, a match that showcased Kevin De Bruyne’s playmaking brilliance and helped City maintain their edge in the title race.

Defensively, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake were instrumental, with City finishing the season with the best defensive record. Rodri’s unbeaten run extended to 50 games, he simply can’t lose.

Last season’s triumph not only adds another title to Guardiola’s impressive tally but also cements City’s legacy as one of the most dominant teams in Premier League history.

Summer Business Analysis:

Signings: Savinho

It’s been a quiet summer for Manchester City, but when you’re already at the pinnacle of English football, not many changes are needed. The key signing has been Savinho, brought in from Troyes after impressing on loan at Girona last season. This move is essentially an internal transfer within the City Football Group, highlighting City’s strategy of nurturing talent within their network. Savinho is expected to add depth to the squad, providing more options for Pep Guardiola as they compete on multiple fronts.

Savinho was excellent last year, more of the same for Manchester City ...?
(Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

Potential Signings:

One name that has been frequently mentioned is Bruno Guimaraes. The Newcastle midfielder has been touted as a potential addition to City’s squad, particularly to provide cover for Rodri. However, Newcastle’s high valuation of the player has made City reluctant to pursue the deal aggressively. The need for a backup to Rodri is evident, as City lost three out of the four games Rodri missed last season, underlining the importance of his role in the team.

Outgoings: Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Yan Couto, Sergio Gomez, Tommy Doyle

Several players have departed the Etihad this summer. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Yan Couto (on loan), Sergio Gomez, and Tommy Doyle have all moved on, reflecting City’s continuous process of fine-tuning their squad. Additionally, there are significant potential outgoings on the horizon. Julian Alvarez, who has struggled for regular minutes, may soon join Atletico Madrid in a blockbuster move. Ederson, the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, is also rumored to be considering a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

What’s preseason suggesting?

DateHome TeamAway TeamResultW/D/L
Wed, 24 JulManchester CityCeltic3 – 4L
Sat, 27 JulManchester CityMilan2 – 3 FT (P)L
Wed, 31 JulBarcelonaManchester City2 (4) – 2 (1) FT (P)D
Sat, 3 AugManchester CityChelsea4 – 2W
Results so far

Manchester City had an eventful pre-season, which saw them play a series of competitive matches in the United States. As many of their stars were involved in international tournaments, City fielded teams predominantly composed of fringe players and youngsters. Results therefore aren’t necessarily indicative of how they’ll perform, but are rather a good opportunity for squad bonding and cohesion.

Erling Haaland, one of the few regular starters to feature, looked exceptionally sharp, scoring consistently and showcasing his readiness for the upcoming season. City’s performances in these matches, despite the losses, were promising, indicating the strength and potential within their squad. The real test, however, awaits them on Saturday when they face Manchester United in the FA Community Shield, marking their first competitive game of the season. This match will offer a clearer picture of City’s preparedness to defend their Premier League title and pursue additional silverware.

What does the Manchester City start to the season look like?

Manchester City have a challenging start to the 2024/25 season, beginning with a high-stakes match in the FA Community Shield and followed by a series of tough Premier League games. Here’s a look at their upcoming fixtures:

DateCompetitionHome TeamAway TeamKick-off Time
Sat, 10 AugFA Community ShieldManchester UnitedManchester City15:00
Sun, 18 AugPremier LeagueChelseaManchester City16:30
Sat, 24 AugPremier LeagueManchester CityIpswich Town15:00
Sat, 31 AugPremier LeagueWest Ham UnitedManchester City17:30
Sat, 14 SeptPremier LeagueManchester CityBrentford15:00
Sun, 22 SeptPremier LeagueManchester CityArsenal16:30
A testing start…

City’s campaign kicks off with a showdown against Manchester United in the FA Community Shield, setting the tone for their title defense. Their Premier League fixtures include a tough away game at Chelsea and crucial home matches against Ipswich Town, Brentford, and Arsenal, as well as a trip to West Ham United.

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Manchester City Squad
(Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Who will burst onto the scene this year?

Oscar Bobb, the young attacking midfielder from Norway, is poised to make a significant impact this season for Manchester City. Last year, Bobb had several excellent cameos, including a memorable moment when he scored a dramatic 90+ minute winner against Newcastle at St James’ Park. Despite these flashes of brilliance, his minutes were limited as Pep Guardiola leaned on his more senior players to get the job done in crucial moments.

However, Bobb’s talent was unmistakable during those appearances. His dribbling skills, vision, and ability to find the back of the net in clutch situations marked him as a player to watch. This season, the path to more regular playing time seems clearer. With Kevin De Bruyne ageing and likely to spend more time on the sidelines to manage his minutes, there will be opportunities for Bobb to step in and showcase his abilities on a bigger stage.

Bobb’s agility, creativity, and knack for making decisive plays could provide a fresh spark to City’s midfield. As Guardiola looks to integrate younger talents into the squad, Oscar Bobb is perfectly positioned to seize his moment and establish himself as a key player for the reigning champions. Expect to see more of Bobb’s exciting playmaking and goal-scoring talents as he bursts onto the scene this season.

Key Player: Rodri

Without Rodri, there is no Manchester City success as we have known it. The Spanish midfielder is the cornerstone of City’s dominance, widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the world. His importance to the team cannot be overstated—Rodri missed four Premier League games last season, and City lost three of them, including surprising defeats to Wolves and Aston Villa.

Rodri’s presence on the pitch is synonymous with stability and control. His exceptional ability to read the game, combined with his tackling and intercepting skills, makes him indispensable in breaking up opposition attacks. Moreover, his composure under pressure and precise passing are crucial in transitioning play from defense to attack. Remarkably, Rodri hasn’t lost a Premier League game since February 2023, underscoring his impact and consistency.

Simply put, Rodri is the best in his position. His qualities extend beyond mere defensive duties; he dictates the tempo of the game, orchestrates play, and provides a shield in front of the defense, ensuring that Manchester City can maintain their high-pressing, possession-based style. His role is pivotal in City’s ongoing quest for domestic and European glory.

365Scores’ Manchester City Prediction:

All great eras and empires come to an end. The Romans. The Greeks. The Ottoman. Now, it’s time that the Manchester City empire falls too. After dominating the Premier League for four consecutive seasons, Manchester City will undoubtedly fight the hard fight, but this year, they are predicted to narrowly come second to Arsenal. The Gunners have been chipping away at City for two years; the deficit was five points in 2022/23, then just two points last season. This year, Arsenal’s persistence and growth will see them overtake City at the top of the Premier League table.

While City will remain strong contenders, Arsenal’s steady improvements and strategic signings have built a squad capable of finally dethroning the reigning champions. The margins are razor-thin, and every match will be crucial, but the Gunners’ upward trajectory suggests that this season will be theirs to claim. City’s resilience and talent will ensure they are in the mix until the very end, but it’s *possible* that the time has come for a shift in power at the summit of English football.

By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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Photo of Nicky Nicky06/08/2024 - 06:45 am