Thinking Football August 2016 | Page 17

Man City Last Season Premier League: 4 th FA Cup: Fifth Round League Cup: Winners Champions League: Semi-Finals 29 Top Scorer (all): Sergio Aguero ( ) Pep has arrived. The world's most sought after manager will embark on his debut Premier League experience after taking over from Manuel Pellegrini, a decision which was announced at a critical stage of last season. City's league form nosedived as a result and they scraped into the Champions League spots, highlighting an average campaign, despite a run to the last-four in Europe. Earmarked as Guardiola's toughest job yet, transforming City's aging team into a side reminiscent of his legendary Barcelona team is the ultimate dream of their delirious fans. Much is expected, but the discussion of potential treble winning seasons may have to be put on ice for a while. Having a gleaming reputation and CV is one thing, but delivering the goods is another. Who's in and who's out? not clinching their third title since Pep is in. Words fans of many 2012 clubs have been dreaming about. disappointment given the hype Ilkay Gundogan is the marquee surrounding the club. signing so far, joining from What's their reality? 23 Dortmund for £ m. Spanish Key Man: Kevin De Bruyne would be classed as a major Much like their expectations. Pep's winger Nolito will provide an knowledge of European football is option out wide, while Martin sure to see them build upon their Demichellis has left, with many run to the semi-finals in April. Plus, expected to follow. Watch this they still boast one, if not the best, space, as John Stones and Shalke squad in the league, so City fans Marmite Man: Eliaquim playmaker Leroy Sane are likely to can expect a serious improvement Mangala be through the door next. from last year's inconsistent show. Season expectations? A clean sweep of trophies. Pep's in charge after all, right? While four may be asking too much for his first season in England, a run in Europe coupled with a title challenge is the minimum. In fact, Fixtures to look out for Young Star: Angelino In 3 Words: Revolution, flair, sharp The two battles with Mourinho's 356 Odds (Bet United are titanic prospects. Saturday 10 th September and 25 th Title: 52 / February. They face Arsenal and Relegation: Chelsea away within four days of Prediction: each other in early April. Key. ): 1000 1 2 / nd