Three major titles: FA Cup, Premier League, and the amazing Champions League. Only two teams in the history of English soccer have accomplished this major feat, and one of them is still intact. The upcoming squad for Manchester City FC will once again reign over the Premier due to a virtually unchanged lineup from last year and critical coaching.
Ever since mastermind head coach Pep Guardiola reshaped the club back at the start of the 2016-17 season, City has only failed to lift the trophy twice. Guardiola is no stranger to coaching top-tier talent, having coached unbelievable squads such as the 2009 Barcelona FC team to multiple championships. What separates Guardiola from other respected coaches is his ability to take good players and turn them into great all-stars. For example, Pep has tweaked and coached the generational talent of Leonel Messi for the majority of Messi’s time at Barcelona, but we’re not here to talk about Barcelona.
If we take a close look at City’s starting lineup and bench depth, there are many options for City to create success. In July of 2022, a gamble was taken on a young man by the name of Erling Haaland from Norway—They never looked back. Haaland set a scoring record of 36 goals in just 35 appearances (7 games fewer and 2 goals more than the previous record) making him a key contributor to the overloading offense of Manchester City. Pairing alongside Haaland in offensive importance is masterclass playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who feeds Haaland’s hunger for goals. While Haaland may have won the Golden Boot, De Bruyne strutted home with his third Playmaker of the Year award for most assists in the premier league. Having the leading goalscorer and playmaker in the league—both dominating their categories respectively—is a huge advantage that no other team in the Premier League can top; inevitably giving City the attacking win every matchup.
The academy system at Manchester City also sets them apart. The club’s investment in young development has given the emergence of talents like Phil Foden, who have seamlessly fit into the first team. This not only enriches the squad but also instills a sense of identity and pride in the young players, creating a unified team spirit that is crucial in a competitive atmosphere like the Premier League. Having a strong youth academy is crucial, and being paired with the popularity of the club from the past few years, more talented youth should funnel through the program.
Financial stability is another key factor in City’s favor. The club’s ownership under the Abu Dhabi United Group has provided a solid financial floor, allowing them to make strategic investments in both player acquisitions and infrastructure such as Haaland. This stability shields City from the financial setbacks that can tamper with other clubs’ ambitions, ensuring that they remain at the top of English football.
In conclusion, the offensive firepower of Manchester City has paired along with the many other factors they have such as Guardiola, funding, and youth is too much of an advantage against other Premier League teams.
Premier League Pick: Manchester City will once again dominate and come out on top.
