Manchester City 2012/13 Season Preview

By Chris Linnell

We take a look at Manchester City’s prospects leading up to the new Premier league season.

Manager: Roberto Mancini

Stadium: Etihad Stadium – 47,805

Nickname:  The Citizens

2011/12 League Position: 1st

Summer Signings

Jack Rodwell – Everton – £12million

Key Players

Vincent Kompany – City’s captain is arguably the best defender in the Premiership, he’s absolutely vital to the team.

Yaya Toure – The big Ivorian drives City forward with powerful runs and is almost unstoppable.

Sergio Aguero – Aguero finished as the clubs highest goal scorer last season after securing the league title with the last kick of the season. The Argentina superstar had a great first season in the Premier League, expect more of the same this time round.

Likely Line-Up

Hart, Richards, Lescott, Kompany, Clichy, Y Toure, Barry, Silva, Nasri, Tevez, Aguero

Team Tactics

• Yaya Toure is the key man in City’s team. He sits when they defend and bursts forward when they attack.
• The Champions’ front four will play a fluid formation; floating around and swapping positions during games.
• Aguero should lead the line ahead of Tevez, but Balotelli will be pushing to start.

Opening Fixtures

August 19^th Southampton (H), 26^th Liverpool (A), September 1^st QPR (H), 15^th Stoke (A), 23^rd Arsenal (H), 29^th Fulham (A)

Verdict

City’s squad is the strongest in the Premier League and they haven’t even bought anyone yet this summer. With this and fewer title race jitters in mind, Mancini’s men are strong obviously the favourites to retain their title this season, but I think United will just beat them to it! 2nd