Player In: Jack Rodwell

Player Out: Vladimir Weiss

A very quiet summer for Mancini in terms of transfers made and in the last ten days a few disparaging comments have come out from the Italian about the lack of business. His frustration is easy to understand but when you have a strike force of Balotelli, Aguero and the apparently forgiven Tevez it is easy to see why they fell out of the race for Van Persie relatively early.

A strong midfield complimented by Jack Rodwell once again looks a match for any out there with strength and depth in almost every position. Once again if Yaya Toure suffers an injury they will struggle as the Ivorian has been a key player for them. David Silva is likely to be even better than last season which is a terrifying prospect for most defences.

Defensively they again look slightly under-stocked in the centre with Stefan Savic still the fourth choice centre-back. Though when your biggest concern is who is your fourth choice centre-back things are probably looking fairly rosy.

Mancini will want to bring in a couple of new faces to prevent the almost inevitable complacency that could settle into this side. Competing in two fronts and with the Champions crown on their head they will be a target for all small clubs. Even just one signing could mean the difference in what is set to be another tight title race.

First game analysis:

Far from convincing, City left it late to come back from a 2-1 deficit (again) and what looks a serious injury to Sergio Aguero could see Mancini dip into the transfer market. Southampton’s goals had a touch of fortune about them and Jack Rodwell will wish to move on from his debut, but the fact that City did come back from a game which they should have had wrapped up is ominous for the rest of the season.

Conclusion:

A monstrously strong squad with creative outlets and holding midfielders galore. Without Yaya Toure though they look a very different team and his fitness could be crucial in deciding where the title ends up. The pressures of defending the title and making a determined challenge for the Champions League could prove too much.

Prediction: 2nd

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