Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge of Manchester City was a bit of a damp squib. Despite opening with 10 successive victories, the Blues were left trophyless at the end of the season – just the third time City have failed to win any silverware since 2010.
The former Barcelona boss will be demanding a stronger push this time around and City will be very difficult to beat if they go all out in the four major competitions – the Blues are an incredible 2000/1 to win the quadruple this season.
City have moved quickly and effectively in the transfer window, suggesting that Guardiola’s men know exactly where they must improve to compete at the top of the Premier League table.
Monaco midfielder Bernardo Silva and Benfica goalkeeper Ederson Moraes completed their moves to the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer before Kyle Walker also signed for the Blues last week.
All three men could play pivotal roles for City this season and the 27/20 available for Pep’s side to win one trophy represents decent value.
Winning the Premier League title will once again be City’s main objective but silverware is a necessity this year. Whether it is the title, the FA Cup, League Cup or even the Champions League, winning trophies is an absolute must.
For me, the value is in a double at 5/1. City have strengthened considerably this summer and their second string is arguably stronger than some first teams out there.
Finishing at the top of the Premier League would be nice but Pep will also be targeting victory in one of the two domestic cup competitions. With the luck of the draw on their side, City could find themselves back at Wembley Stadium again this year.
Who knows, the Blues might even win the Champions League (14/1) this term. European glory is the long term objective for City and their owners but consistent success in England’s top flight has to be a priority at this moment in time.
Two years ago, City reached the semi-finals of Europe’s elite club competition but fell short against Real Madrid. Now, they are arguably better equipped to compete for the Champions League – especially against the top teams in the business.
City are currently favourites for the Premier League crown at 9/5 with 888Sport and plenty of punters will be backing Pep’s side to go all the way this campaign. Perhaps only arch rivals Manchester United can compete with City on a player-by-player basis and that strength in depth could prove crucial come the end of May.
For those expecting City to disappoint for the second year in succession, you can get 21/20 on the Blues to win nothing. It is difficult to envision Guardiola’s men slipping up once again but England’s top flight is more competitive than ever before and nothing is a given.
Keeping Sergio Aguero at the club is an absolute must. Yes, Pep may favour Gabriel Jesus to lead the line but allowing the Argentina man to join Chelsea would be a suicidal move.
As of July 18th, Aguero is a 6/4 shot to join the Premier League champions this summer – City must block any approach from their domestic rivals. If the Blues hold on to their key men and sign a couple more defensive-minded players, City will be in business.
In Pep Guardiola, they have one of the best managers on the planet at the helm and he can steer City to silverware for many years to come. Watch this space, the Blues will be right in contention on all four fronts this campaign...
