Can City win the league again and make it three on the bounce or has the sun set on the blue side of Manchester?
What happened last year?
Another successful season on the blue side of Manchester in terms of the league, winning their fourth League title in five seasons after a remarkable comeback against Aston Villa on the final day of the season. However, they will be disappointed that was the only piece of silverware they managed to claim after Liverpool won both the domestic cups and Real Madrid won the Champions League. They will be especially disappointed in their cup progression, being knocked out of the EFL Cup in the fourth round by West Ham, knocked out of the FA Cup in the semi-final by Liverpool and a dramatic Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid.
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Key signings?
Erling Haaland
City swooped in this summer to activate Haaland’s release clause and capture him for a cut price fee. They pipped Europe’s elites to sign the big Norwegian striker who set the Bundesliga alight over the last few seasons, with 62 goals in 67 Bundesliga games and 23 goals in 19 Champions League games. Alf-Inge Haaland, Haaland’s father, played for City in the early 2000’s, making 38 league appearances for City, so he has always been interested in the club. With their recent success and financial capabilities, it was inevitable he would end up in the North-West of England for the next few years. His addition makes a strong City side even stronger and if he can continue his goalscoring record in the Premier League, he is sure to be a huge success.
His entrance to the Premier League has sent the top goal scorer betting market into a frenzy with his chances of winning the Golden Boot taking top spot with odds as short as 9/4, followed by Salah (9/2) and Kane (5/1).
And who’s out?
Raheem Sterling
Sterling’s time at the Etihad ends after a successful seven years which saw him win four Premier League’s, five League Cup’s and One FA Cup. He joins Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side in a deal worth around £50 million, a similar fee to when he joined City from Liverpool in 2015. The English winger had an excellent season last year with 19 goal contributions in 23 league starts but has looked for a move to the capital to solidify more game time with the 2022 World Cup approaching this winter. He has seen his game time drastically decrease over the past few seasons with Guardiola favouring Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva in the wide positions. He was crucial in England’s 2020 Euro’s campaign, helping England reach the final, and will be hoping his move to Chelsea will help him cement a spot in Gareth Southgate’s plans.
Gabriel Jesus
The arrival of Haaland from Borussia Dortmund means even less playing time for Gabriel Jesus and a move to Arsenal for over £45 million has materialised as a direct result. He joins the Gunners after five years which saw him win four Premier League titles with the Citizens. This is a good move for both parties as it gives Jesus the starting spot he’s been desiring for so long and gives Arsenal the striker they’ve desperately needed in the last few years. Mikel Arteta worked with Jesus at City so the adjustment period should be straight forward and with four goals in pre-season already, this looks to be the case.
Who is their star man?
Kevin De Bruyne
Despite the huge amount of talent within the City squad, De Bruyne is surely their star player. The Belgian international has won the PFA Player of the year twice and is sure to go down as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history. He has won the Premier League four times, League Cup five times and FA Cup once and is one of the most decorated players in the league. His passing ability and football intelligence makes him one of the most creative players in world football and with the addition of Haaland to the squad, this season could be his most influential year yet.
What can we expect from them in 2022/23?
Simply put, more of the same. City have too strong a squad to not competing at the top end of the table, and with the addition of Haaland it looks inevitable that they win the league again. They are heavy favourites to do so with odds as short as 4/7.
This being said, they have lost several key members and if Haaland gets injured they may lack fire power. In this case they could struggle to score goals and could be dragged into a battle for the league with second favourites Liverpool (5/2).
Where do the odds project them to finish?
The Premier League winner’s markets predicts Manchester City to win the league once again (7/10 best).
Any recommended bets?
With City heavily favoured to win the league it is worth looking into a different market to find value. Erling Haaland to be top goal scorer comes out at 3/1 best odds on oddschecker.
