Every football fans dream is when the calendar rolls into August as everyone knows that is when football season starts.
We have been treated this year as we have enjoyed the summer spectacle of the World Cup, however every three years out of four, we are normally crossing off the days for when the first game kicks off.
The boredom of the non-football summer leaves us trying to find enjoyment in cricket or hoping the weather forecast is bright and sunny to enjoy an outing.
Now we can relax with Soccer Saturday or enjoy the buzz of the matchday while walking to the ground, August is the month.
We will look at key features to be experienced in the month of August.
First chance of a trophy
The fifth of August is the date where City head to Wembley Stadium to play Chelsea in a curtain raiser for the season. Often viewed as a trophy if you win or a glorified pre-season friendly if you lose, many fans will not be celebrating too long if they are victorious.
Chelsea will be a difficult team to beat and with City’s World Cup representatives unlikely to be able to complete a full 90 minutes, the result is not a given. It is proven that Chelsea always improve when a new manager arrives, adding increased competition for trophies this season.
The defence of the title begins
The Champions will begin the defence of their crown against Arsenal on 12 August, before facing Huddersfield (19) at home and a difficult away trip to Wolves (25). The game against Arsenal will undoubtedly be the toughest as they are a potential surprise package this season under the tutorship of Unai Emery.
He has made some good signings and many players will relish the change on the training pitch after the tenure of Arsene Wenger has ended.
Wolves will also be a tricky challenge as the West Midlands takes a Iberian feel into the new season. Joao Moutinho and Reuben Neves could be a revelation this year, with many people predicting their squad is good enough for a top six position.
Champions League draw
The Champions League draw will take place on 30 August and Manchester City are anticipated to get an easy draw this year, after being paired with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus in previous years. Winning the Premier League will ensure they go straight into Pot One, avoiding the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint Germain.
The most difficult team from Pot 2 is likely to be one of the Italian teams who finished behind Juventus. Roma, Napoli or Inter Milan are all good teams, however teams Man City are expected to beat home and away.
Finishing top of the group can prove pivotal in your quest for glory, however once you get to the quarter-final stage there is always a chance to end your tournament.
Transfer window
For the first time, the summer transfer window will end prior to the Premier League season preventing any clubs having their early season preparations thrown into turmoil. From 17:00 (UK time) on 9 August, fans will know their final squad until January comes around again.
Riyad Mahrez has been added to the Cityzens squad, while the club has been linked with a number of high-profile central midfielders. Jorginho has gone to West London, while the rumours regarding Thiago Alcantara, Miralem Pjanic and Mateo Kovacic have failed to gather pace and materialise.
Time will tell whether a further deal can be done but City’s squad is good enough to face the challenge of an improved Liverpool and defend their title.