What factors will decide Manchester City’s season? Five key things to consider

Can anything stop the 2020/21 champions from replicating that success in this campaign?
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola approaches another season at Manchester City, hoping to retain the Premier League crown for the second time during his tenure.

But for City and their ambitious boss, the ultimate aim remains the Champions League, even more so after last season’s crushing loss in the final.

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Despite the resources available to City, it will not be a straightforward march to silverware this term and there are plenty of obstacles the club will need to overcome if they’re to win trophies in 2021/22.

Here, we outline the main challenges facing the champions this season.

Finding a reliable striker

If Harry Kane does arrive at the Etihad then one major problem will be alleviated for Guardiola, who clearly isn’t convinced by Gabriel Jesus. However, if a transfer for the England captain fails to materialise, it could leave City with a sizeable void in their ranks.

Guardiola did, at times, opt to play without a recognised striker last term, but as with all tactical innovations, one Premier League manager finding a solution to such a set-up could be replicated by other coaches throughout the division.

Can this man supply the goals for City in ‘21/22?Can this man supply the goals for City in ‘21/22?
Can this man supply the goals for City in ‘21/22?
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Alternatively, perhaps this may be Jesus’s time to shine after four and half years in Sergio Aguero’s sizable shadow. His manager has a knack for developing players and turning the Brazilian into a potent goalscorer could save the club some £150m.

Incorporating attacking midfielders

The big summer signing comes in the form of Jack Grealish, who became the first £100m transfer in Premier League history.

The former Aston Villa captain operated mainly from the left wing last season, but can play centrally. Finding his best position, in a side that also contains Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne, will be among Guardiola’s top priorities.

There’s also the question of other attack-minded players Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres, Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva, assuming all four remain at the club throughout the season.

Cover at full-back

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Despite the plethora of talent in this City squad, left-back has remained something of a problematic position during Guardiola’s time at the Etihad.

With Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko failing to ever hold down a starting berth, Joao Cancelo often deputised on the left last season, leaving the team light on the right-hand side.

Benjamin Mendy with the Premier League trophy. Credit:Getty.Benjamin Mendy with the Premier League trophy. Credit:Getty.
Benjamin Mendy with the Premier League trophy. Credit:Getty.

Getting a consistent tune out of Mendy and Zinchenko could be crucial, or the club may once again turn to the transfer market for defensive reinforcements.

The chasing pack

No Premier League side offered a real and sustained challenge to City last season, with United ending the season 12 points off their local rivals.

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The Red Devils’ summer transfers mean they should be a sturdier outfit this campaign, while Liverpool’s returning centre-backs also make them a more formidable opponent. There’s also European champions Chelsea, who are on the verge of signing one of the world’s most deadly strikers in Romelu Lukaku, while Leicester City showed in the Community Shield that they’re not to be trifled with.

In Europe, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan look less likely to challenge the English sides for the Champions League, although the same can’t be said for Paris Saint-Germain. The club from the French capital rounded off some impressive business this summer with the acquisition of one Lionel Messi, and are favourites to win the trophy for the first time in their history.

Off-the-field issues

Last month, City lost a court ruling which confirmed the club are still being investigated by the Premier League for alleged breaches of financial fair play.

This is an issue that has dogged City over recent years and last summer the Court for Arbitration for Sport overturned a two-year Champions League ban from UEFA for similar charges.

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However, it’s a problem that won’t go away for the club and could indirectly affect the team’s performances should legal and bureaucratic issues begin to dominate the news agenda.

Check out our season pundits’ predictions video here