by Tom Allen
Important to look beyond a disappointing 90 minutes for Manchester City in
the Community Shield on Sunday when assessing their chances over a 38 Premier
League campaign and I expect them to push rivals United all the way in the chase
for the title.
City were largely lacklustre at Wembley, even when they led 2-0 at the break,
and it was no surprise that the Red Devils roared back in the second half to
land the spoils. I was surprised by City's approach, Roberto Mancini's men
failed to keep possession anywhere near as well as their best periods of last
term, but their quality is not in question and their strong finish to the
previous campaign is hard to forget.
The Citizens pocketed their first trophy since massive foreign investment
transformed the fortunes of the club when collecting the FA Cup in May but
securing Champions League football was arguably more important, they did so with
a third place finish, and it has given City a foundation to build again.
The ongoing Carlos Tevez transfer saga rumbles on but his departure could
easily be absorbed by a squad bursting with talent and the acquisition of Sergio
Aguero is a major coup.
Aguero, one of the world's finest strikers, might actually be an upgrade if
he settles quickly at Eastlands and the Argentine is tipped to link up to
devastating effect with the likes of David Silva and Yaya Toure.
If City are lacking in one area then it is perhaps central midfield where
Nigel De Jong and Gareth Barry lack a creative spark but there is enough in
front of that pair to hurt opponents and Mancini will, no doubt, make his team
very tough to beat once again.
Having kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League last season, Joe Hart
thoroughly deserved his new five-year contract signed this week and the England
goalkeeper is now arguably the league's best.
I've no hesitation in nominating Hart to repeat that feat and City's overall
fortunes are likely to rest on their performances against their fellow title
contenders.
It's a question of when not if Manchester City are crowned champions in the
coming years and I except further improvement from them this time around. A
runners-up position beckons but I couldn't put anybody off taking the 4/1 on the
big spenders finishing top of the pile and I readily prefer City over Chelsea of
those likely to chase home Manchester United.
Manchester City 2011-2012 Premier League Odds and Best Bets:
Premier League Odds: 4/1 (William Hill)
Top 4 Finish: 1/4 (Bet 365,
VC Bet)
Best Bets:
Man City (+4, Season Handicap) @ 15/1 (Coral)
Prediction: Second
