Manchester City - Vincent Kompany
Manchester City have flexed their financial muscles once again this Summer after losing their Premier League crown to Manchester United by a considerable margin, as well as recruit a new manager to oversee this in Manuel Pellegrini. Because, if there is one thing Chelsea has taught us throughout the years, it is that constantly changing the manager of a club breeds long-term domestic success. That being said, the supposed quality of the club that has been brought in is a demonstration that the club is serious about returning to the top of the mountain in England, and also make an impression in Europe after two hopeless attempts. There is no doubting that they will be near the summit of the division, the only question is which of the top three slots they will fill. The serious amount of money they have spent is one thing, but there will be question marks over the lack of experience they have in England. With all due respect to the other European leagues, the Premier League is more physical and quick than the rest. Therefore, the likes of Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas, Stevan Jovetic and Fernandinho are definitely talented names, but whether they can adjust to the steep learning curve of the Premier League in a short amount of time will be the determining factor in the club's success for the season. If nothing else, they will certainly provide European experience to ensure that they get further than the group stage this year. Nonetheless, whilst the new big names will certainly be a boost, they will also be reliant on improved performances of the players that are there from last season. Among those players, their inspirational captain Vincent Kompany will hope to overcome a difficult season of injuries and defensive crises to return to the dominant facet at the heart of the back line. Another one of the top Belgians in the Premier League is one of the most likeable and eloquent footballers in England, but as soon he gets on the pitch his single focus is keeping the ball away from his goal at all costs to himself and his opponents. He will also be hopeful that Joe Hart is in better form this year to ensure that the goals don't flow at the wrong end, and as the club's captain will look to drive and motivate both his long-term team-mates and the brand new arrivals to improve their league standing by one place from last year. With Kompany in the centre, it is arguable that Manchester City have the best starting eleven in the entire league. That is at least the case on paper, and it is the job of Kompany to rally his troops in realising the fullest of their potentials and return the Premier League title to the blue half of Manchester.
Where will they finish? - 3rd