The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsThis season, Manchester City have shown themselves in the Premier League to be top title challengers, but they still remain underdogs when it comes to the Champions League. After falling short against Barcelona last season, City will need to up their game to advance further this time around.
The goal at Manchester City have always wanted to hold the Champions League, and this season could be the year that Manuel Pellegrini loses his job, unless he takes City to the Semi Finals, or even the Final. Obviously that sounds like a bridge too far, but to the board and owners , they expect that their City side can become the elite in Europe.
After adding to their defence in the summer by signing Nicolas Otamendi, whilst Raheem Sterling will add pace and unpredictability to an already fantastic City attack. If Yaya Toure stays on top of his game, then he can give any midfield in Europe a good game, and if Kevin De Bruyne signs, that attacking midfield duo of De Bruyne and David Silva would strike fear into any of the top European sides, and top that off with Sergio Aguero, then you have a team to fear if they all play together and not split when needed.
Pellegrini managed to keep his job this summer despite vicious rumours stating he would be replaced by Pep Guardiola, and Pellegrini looks set to build his squad to challenge for honours everywhere this season. Champions League football at the Etihad Stadium is here to stay, and whether it be Pep or Pellegrini, City could be dark horses this season, along with Paris Saint Germain.
Prediction: 1st
