Premier League 14/15: Team By Team Preview And Predictions

3. Manchester City

Last Season: 1st Manager: Manuel Pellegrini Opening Fixture: Newcastle (a) Transfer Activity: Manchester City have been unusually quiet in the transfer market so far this summer. Fernando (Porto) is the club's most expensive signing at £12million, although central defender Eliaquim Mangala looks on the verge of joining for around £30million from the same club. Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) has also joined to provide competition for Pablo Zabaleta, seemingly spelling the end of Micah Richards' time at the club, although he hasn't left yet, whilst Willy Caballero (Malaga) has signed to cover the loss of Costel Pantilimon and Bruno Zuculini has joined from Racing Club. Chelsea legend Frank Lampard (New York City) has signed on a six-month loan in a deal which will have surprised and upset some Blues fans, perhaps. Other notable departures from the club include Jack Rodwell, Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry, Alex Nimely, Emyr Huws and Marcos Lopes. Possible Starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure; Silva, Nasri; Aguero, Dzeko Key Player: Vincent Kompany Verdict: Manchester City will be up there challenging for the Premier League title again this year, there's no doubt about that, but their naivety in the transfer market this summer could prevent them from retaining it for the first time. Under Roberto Mancini in 2011/12, City won the title for the first time and then lost it next season after failing to strengthen what was clearly already a fantastic squad. Pellegrini still has time left to do so however, with Mangala seemingly on his way to the club, but either way there may just be a few stronger teams than them this season. That said, with world class players like Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero to call on, you can never write them off. Prediction: 3rd