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With the new Barclays Premier League set for its opening weekend in the next few days, many have tipped Manchester United to pick up the title after recruiting the likes of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David De Gea, and possibly adding Wesley Sneijder.
But should we already decide that it’s the red half of Manchester that is going to take the title this season?
The sky blue half, or those “noisy neighbours” as labelled by Sir Alex, have made nothing but the right noises, besides the disdain for life in Manchester shown by talisman Carlos Tevez and youngster Mario Balotelli.
Manchester City is a genuine title threat to United. They can also go the whole the way under the guidance of Roberto Mancini.
With quality players such as David Silva, Yaya Toure, Sergio “Kun” Aguero, Adam Johnson and Vincent Kompany to name a few, you cannot write off City.
David Silva is one of vital cogs in the City line-up. Many people originally thought he would not meet the physical demands of the Premier League, but he quite easily proved critics wrong by being easily one of City’s best last year.
His dribbling skills, quickness and vision cut defences to shreds. He will need to maintain that form for City to win the title.
Sergio Aguero, the newest acquisition from Atletico Madrid, is one of the biggest signings of the summer. He will need to show what made in him a star in Spain.
Aguero has strength, pace and ability to finish (especially on the volley). His form will also be critical to help take the goal-scoring burden from Tevez (if he sticks around) and Dzeko.
Edin Dzeko, the so-called flop from Wolfsburg, has been mislabelled. You need to give players time get used to their surrondings and adapt to a completely new league. With a pre-season under his belt, Dzeko can provide the aerial target in a front partnership (presumably alongside Aguero or Balotelli).
He needs to learn to use his body more to be a physical presence in the box, and show the strength and speed that may him so dangerous during his spell in Germany.
Vincent Kompany should be named as the new captain, considering he is the rock at the back. With Tevez wanting to leave he should be given the role as he wants to stay permanently.
Kompany is the complete package for a defender. Quick, decisive and strong, with Joe Hart in behind him, this will be one of the hardest defences in the league to take apart.
With Kompany and Hart in form along with Micah Richards, Pablo Zabalata and perhaps new recruit Stefan Savic you will need the most skilled players to beat them.
There is no doubt City have what it takes to win the title this year. Fitness will be a key factor and how Roberto rotates his squad in between league, FA Cup, Champions League and League Cup will come into the equation.
But with imminent arrival Samir Nasri to round out their squad, the noisy neighbours could yet be crowned champions.
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