Premier League Preview: Manchester City

Despite finishing 2nd in the League, Sheikh Mansour decided that was not good enough and duly fired Roberto Mancini. Perhaps this was understandable. The year before City had won the title. Since then they had made poor signings in the transfer market, lost the FA Cup final to Wigan, and finished 4th in their Champions League group. Time then for 'the Engineer', Manuel Pellegrini to enter the picture, and hopefully 'fix' Manchester City.

Their summer spending has certainly reflected the need for improvement. Last year City conceded the least amount of goals but lost out on the title because Manchester United signed Robin Van Persie, boosting their offensive ability. City's spending has attempted to counter this, bringing in two strikers in Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic as well as pacey winger Jesus Navas. Lastly, they splashed the cash on a midfield partner for Yaya Toure by signing Fernandinho. With City also shifting five players from the squad including Roque Santa Cruz (Yes, he was still at the club unbelievably), and more seemingly on their way out, they have an extremely strong squad heading into the season.

The target for City this season will undoubtedly be to regain their Premier League title but that will not be made easy by Manchester United and Chelsea who will push City to the end. Their pre-season has been far from convincing with more losses than wins but the form of Edin Dzeko will be a huge positive. A trophy is a must for Pellegrini and the City board will also want a much stronger performance in Europe after two largely disappointing seasons.

Key Man: Vincent Kompany - Kompany missed large portions of last season with a recurring injury but is still the most vital man in the City team. The linchpin in the heart of defence, Kompany, along with  Joe Hart and Yaya Toure form the unbelievably strong core of the City team. Arguably the best defender in the league, Kompany will be hugely important in City's push for the title.

One to Watch: Fernandinho - Initially I wanted to place Jack Rodwell as the one to watch, but as the summer went on I feel as though Fernandinho has become the forgotten signing at City. Despite coming from the Ukrainian League, Fernandinho is a strong signing in the midfield. A pacey player who operates as a box-to-box midfielder, Fernandinho could form a formidable relationship with Yaya Toure and is an excellent addition to the Premier League.

Best Summer Signing: Alvaro Negredo - A clinical striker with 25 goals in La Liga last season, Negredo is a strong signing for City and a symbol of marked intent for their title push. Along with Dzeko, Jovetic and Aguero, City have a hugely impressive bunch of strikers, but I feel Negredo will emerge as first choice.

Last Season: 2nd

Pre-Season Prediction: 2nd - Once again City will fall just short but to Chelsea, not to their Manchester rivals.