What to expect from City’s opening three games of the new season
After this Sunday’s Community Shield, all eyes will be firmly on the Premier League, and whether Manchester City can make a commanding start to their title defence.
Despite a mesmerising World Cup in Russia, it once again feels as if football has evaporated for far too long, and the return of domestic action will be welcomed with open arms.
That includes City fans, who have been itching to watch the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva unfurl the eye-catching football so instrumental in a record-smashing campaign.
It all starts again in just a couple of weeks, and usually the opening few matches are a reliable indicator as to how the remainder of the season could pan out.
The Sky Blues face an arduous beginning to the Premier League. In their first three games, a rejuvenated Arsenal, buoyant Huddersfield and new boys Wolves are on the agenda.
Here is what to expect from those clashes, and my predictions of Manchester City’s opening few results.
vs Arsenal (A) (Sunday 12th August)
Pep Guardiola couldn’t have asked for a much tougher start to his championship defence.
A curtain-raiser against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal would have held a certain inevitability about it – working in Manchester City’s favour – however under Unai Emery the Gunners are unpredictable.
On first glance, at least, the north Londoners look a dangerous prospect. Their summer transfer business looks auspicious for the first time in a long while, and Emery could unleash the full potential of previously sheltered stars Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Arsenal look ready to challenge for Champions League football once again. On the surface they are equipped, however the pressure of facing Premier League champions in his competitive debut means Emery’s lack of English experience might come into the equation.
Pep Guardiola certainly knows what it takes to get off to an optimistic start, but this match will be a difficult one. Neither club are going to want to lose their opener, which is why this could be a cautious, carefully-monitored affair.
My prediction: 1-1
vs Huddersfield (H) (Sunday 19th August)
The Terriers, who miraculously survived in the top flight last term, surely won’t have enough for a star-studded Manchester City side.
Huddersfield caused the Sky Blues some bother last time they met. When the Yorkshire outfits took the lead at their own stadium, it left City fans wondering whether they could be the club to bring the unbeaten run to a close.
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Eventually Manchester City came back, and on this occasion they should be eager to squash any Huddersfield hopes.
A win, a clean sheet and a dominant performance will get the ball rolling at the Etihad, and give the supporters something to cheer about on the Sky Blues’ return to home.
My prediction: 3-0
vs Wolves (A) (Saturday 25th August)
Wolves certainly don’t look like a club who have just reunited with the Premier League.
The calibre of their players, fuelled by a distinct Portuguese flavour in Nuno Espirito Santo, is that of a side who could potentially challenge for a top half spot.
The Midlands team will be excited to take on England’s best, so expect a vibrant, hostile atmosphere at Molineux and, hopefully, a fiercely-contested encounter.
Manchester City, on paper at least, should have too much for Wolves. Cast your mind back to the opening game of last season, where the Sky Blues faced newly-promoted Brighton. That is what could ensue at Wolves.
The Sky Blues should aim to take control of the match, get an early goal and extinguish any burning Wolves desire to get a historic win.
My prediction: 1-2