Following another summer of big spending for Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City, Sports Mole looks at their chances ahead of the new Premier League season.
In:
Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk, £30m), Jesus Navas (Sevilla, £17m rising to £22.9m), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla, £21.5m rising to £25m), Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina, Undisclosed)
Out:
Wayne Bridge (Reading, Free), Ryan McGivern (Hibernian, Free), Kolo Toure (Liverpool – Free), Filippo Mancini (Released), Roque Santa Cruz (Malaga, Free), Jeremy Helan (Sheffield Wednesday, Undisclosed), Maicon (Roma, Undisclosed), Reece Wabara (Doncaster Rovers, Loan)
Last Season: Second
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Three key players:
Vincent Kompany - City's failure to retain the Premier League title last season was down to a number of factors, but the absence of their captain for long spells through injury undoubtedly played a huge part. The Belgian is one of the best defenders in European football with his pace, strength and impeccable reading of the game. If he can help the Blues return to their stingy ways at the back, then a second championship in three years could be on its way to the Etihad Stadium.
Jesus Navas - With David Silva being something of a disappointment last term, City are expected to pin plenty of their attacking hopes on summer signing Jesus Navas during the upcoming campaign. The 27-year-old is a trickier customer than his fellow Spaniard, not to mention possessing a better eye for goal. A tidy £17m was splashed out on him, but he could go on to be one of the signings of the transfer window.
Alvaro Negredo - Despite Carlos Tevez's departure to Juventus over the summer, there is still a wealth of attacking riches at City, and Alvaro Negredo will be eager to establish himself as the top dog up front. A bullish striker full of confidence, his 25 goals for Sevilla last season tell you that he is likely to make an impact in the physical environment of the Premier League. With former teammate Navas alongside him, Negredo may well enjoy himself in England's top flight.
First game: Newcastle United (H), Complete fixture list
Sports Mole says: Having splashed the cash again this summer, big things will be expected of Manuel Pellegrini's City. The Chilean has an impressive track record in Spain, but the frenzied pace of the Premier League will be an altogether different test. That said, the club has enjoyed a relatively quiet pre-season while their rivals continue to endure various transfer sagas. The Blues are sure to mount a serious title challenge yet again with their all-star cast.
Predicted finish: Second
