After yet another uninspiring championship defense last season, Manchester City decided to take out the checkbook this summer. They’ve used it to splash some serious cash on up-and-coming English talent, headlined by one Raheem Sterling. But will their costly investments pay off immediately in the form of the 2015-2016 Premier League championship?
Read on below as we take a closer look at Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League campaign. Also, don’t miss our previews of the other three clubs included in the so-called “Big Four” – Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
[sc:Soccer ]Manchester City 2015-2016 Premier League Preview
Overview
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Manchester City have been shopping in the British Isle of the summer transfer market this year as they’ve signed highly-rated young striker Raheem Sterling (for a record-breaking sum) and midfielder Fabian Delph thus far. The two will take the spots of departed English squad members James Milner, who moved to Liverpool on a free transfer, and Frank Lampard, who departed to the MLS.
The core of City’s team, one which has won two league titles in the past four years, remains intact with captain Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero – the BPL’s leading scorer last season with 26 goals. City are still eyeing one or two more transfers – talented Belgian Kevin De Bruyne in particular – but as currently constructed, they remain the biggest threat to Chelsea’s reign. City are priced at +275 to win their third Premier League crown.
Key Player – Yaya Toure
Kun Aguero may be City’s best player, but Yaya is their most important. The Ivorian was the heartbeat of City’s two title-winning campaigns with his dynamism and drive from midfield. With Aguero missing for large chunks of the 2013-14 season, Toure took on the responsibility to lead the City attack. He finished as top scorer with 20 goals and also provided nine assists to guide City to the title.
However, whether because of age – Toure is 32 – fatigue or a lack of motivation, Toure just wasn’t the same player last season. He scored just 10 goals and had a measly one assist. If City have any hope of challenging Chelsea for the title this season, they’ll need the Yaya from two years ago back to wreak havoc in the middle of the park.
Key Game – vs. Chelsea (Aug. 16)
It’s always ideal to get a good start to any season, but City’s ability to get off to that good start will be severely tested as they host Chelsea in just the second weekend of the season. In a way, though, facing off against the champions so soon into the new season could turn out to be a good thing for City as they can gauge their team’s ability early on and adjust accordingly.
They’ll also be at home for that matchup, which is a great opportunity to take points off their main title competition. The two teams drew both of their matchups 1-1 last season.
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Best/Worst Case Scenario
Best Case Scenario
Toure returns to his frightening best; Aguero stays healthy and keeps banging in boatloads of goals; and Sterling overcomes the enormous pressure brought about by his obscenely high price tag to help City reclaim the title this season.
Worst Case Scenario
Toure continues his slow, steady decline with more listless performances; Aguero picks up another significant injury and spends some time on the sidelines; and Sterling fails to live up to the massive burden of his transfer fee in his first season at the Etihad.
Complete Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| August 10 | @ West Bromwich Albion | 3:00 PM ET |
| August 16 | vs Chelsea | 11:00 AM ET |
| August 23 | @ Everton | 11:00 AM ET |
| August 29 | vs Watford | 10:00 AM ET |
| September 12 | @ Crystal Palace | 10:00 AM ET |
| September 19 | vs West Ham United | 2:30 PM ET |
| September 26 | @ Tottenham | 7:45 AM ET |
| October 3 | vs Newcastle | 10:00 AM ET |
| October 17 | vs Bournemouth | 10:00 AM ET |
| October 24 | @ Manchester United | 10:00 AM ET |
| October 31 | vs Norwich | 11:00 AM ET |
| November 7 | @ Aston Villa | 11:00 AM ET |
| November 21 | vs Liverpool | 11:00 AM ET |
| November 28 | vs Southampton | 11:00 AM ET |
| December 5 | @ Stoke City | 11:00 AM ET |
| December 12 | vs Swansea | 11:00 AM ET |
| December 19 | @ Arsenal | 11:00 AM ET |
| December 26 | vs Sunderland | 11:00 AM ET |
| December 28 | @ Leicester City | 11:00 AM ET |
| January 2 | @ Watford | 11:00 AM ET |
| January 13 | vs Everton | 2:45 PM ET |
| January 16 | vs Crystal Palace | 11:00 AM ET |
| January 23 | @ West Ham | 11:00 AM ET |
| February 2 | @ Sunderland | 2:45 PM ET |
| February 6 | vs Leicester | 11:00 AM ET |
| February 13 | vs Tottenham | 11:00 AM ET |
| February 27 | @ Newcastle | 11:00 AM ET |
| March 1 | @ Liverpool | 3:00 PM ET |
| March 5 | vs Aston Villa | 11:00 AM ET |
| March 12 | @ Norwich | 11:00 AM ET |
| March 19 | vs Manchester United | 11:00 AM ET |
| April 2 | @ Bournemouth | 10:00 AM ET |
| April 9 | vs West Bromwich Albion | 10:00 AM ET |
| April 16 | @ Chelsea | 10:00 AM ET |
| April 23 | vs Stoke City | 10:00 AM ET |
| April 30 | @ Southampton | 10:00 AM ET |
| May 7 | vs Arsenal | 10:00 AM ET |
| May 15 | @ Swansea | 10:00 AM ET |
Writer’s Prediction
Toure fails to find his old form, and City suffer greatly because of it. The Citizens finish all the way down in fourth this season.
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