2014/15 Season Preview: Manchester City

As all football enthusiasts eagerly await the start of a new season, we, the team of 18 Yard Box preview the title challengers and analyse their chances of winning silverware this season. Its the turn for the defending champions to take centre stage.

2013-14 Season Review

The Double:A Blue Moon rising

The 2013-14 season was an eventful one for Manchester City as manager Manuel Pellegrini led his side to Premier League glory for the second time in three years in his maiden venture in English football. However, this time it was Liverpool who gave them a run for their money and took them till the last day. Based on solid and consistent performances from their host of world-class players, Manchester City turned the Premier League title race on its head after a topsy-turvy season which saw the title move from The Emirates to Anfield and finally end at The Etihad. Earlier in the season, City had ensured they don’t end the season trophyless by winning the Carling cup with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Giant Killers, Sunderland. What defined City’s season was their goal scoring prowess which saw them score the 2^nd highest number of goals in a Premier League season with a whopping 102 goals. 

The likes of Yaya Toure, Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero all managed to score more than 15 goals each during the course of their campaign. Even on the European front, City managed to break the jinx of not qualifying beyond the group stages and even managed to beat German giants Bayern Munich 3-2 at the Allianz Arena. However, their outstanding season on the pitch was tarnished by the Financial Fair Play sanction levied on the club leading to a 50m pound fine by UEFA. All in all, winning 2 trophies out of a possible 4 reminded some of the City loyalists of their glory days in the 1959-60 season.

What can we expect?

Manchester City will start the new campaign as firm favourites to retain the Premier League crown. The transfer window till now has seen the arrival of experienced Goalkeeper Willy Caballero from Malaga, Bacary Sagna from Arsenal and midfielder Fernando from F.C Porto at the Etihad. A self sufficient side with plenty of choices for different positions on the pitch, Manchester City do not need too many more signing to bolster the squad.  Manuel Pellegrini’s attacking approach and an array of attacking options has always seen Manchester City score plenty of goals. Some adjustments at the back would make City an unstoppable force this season. Nothing short of a top 4 finish, if not winning the League, will please the Abu Dhabi based owners. Having conquered the Premier League crown twice, City would like to focus on their Champion’s League record. They have the resources and the experience of a manager who has previously worked with European giants Real Madrid and also had been instrumental in bringing out the best out of a depleted Malaga side.

Style of play

Attack is the best form of defence

Citizens have undergone a change in their style of play ever since the Manuel Pellegrini has taken charge from Roberto Mancini last year. Their attacking style of play is based around ball retention in the centre of the park with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho anchoring midfield for the Sky Blues. Playing a 4-2-3-1, City have extremely quick widemen who can break in the blink of an eye in the likes of Jesus Navas and fullbacks like Gael Clichy, Aleksander Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta who terrorise opposition with lethal balls from wide positions from both sides of the pitch. With a forward line that boasts of players like Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Stefan Jovetic & Alvaro Negredo, City are spoilt for choice in their selection of frontmen. With David Silva and Samir Nasri operating as the playmaker and the inverted winger respectively, City have the vision to cut open defences. City are not only dangerous from open play but also from set pieces with players like Silva and Kolarov who are known to pack a punch in their set piece delivery. One more option is that of Yaya Toure, who has done quite well with the deadballs. 

If there are any chinks in the armoury it is the absence of a suitable central defensive partner for Vincent Kompany. Having lost Joleon Lescott to West Bromwich Albion on free, City are in dire need of a defender who could provide competition for places to Nastasic and Kompany. A player who has been heavily linked with City is the French defender Mangala. Should City snap him, they would have with them a sturdy backline.

Key players to watch out for

1. Yaya Toure

The Pulse of the team

Ever since his arrival at the Etihad from the Nou Camp, Yaya Toure has stamped his authority on the English game. Playing in centre midfield, the man from Ivory Coast is an invaluable asset to his side by scoring goals at vital junctures in the game or literally bulldozing the opposition midfield with his pacy and powerful bursts up the field. A former African Football of the year, Yaya Toure has grown from strength to strength and exerted his influence on the team. He has added the ability to take free kicks to his already long list of attributes. Despite recent speculation over his future he remains a fan favourite who might single-handedly power his team to a 3^rd Premier League title in 4 Years.

2. Sergio Aguero

Lean Mean Scoring Machine

Argentine centre forward Sergio Aguero arrived at The Etihad from Athletico Madrid in 2011 and has never looked back. Be it under Mancini or Pellegrini, he has been a regular source of goals for City. Blessed with speed, power, ball control and deadly accuracy, he has been able to wreak havoc in defences not just in the Premier League but also world over. His goal against QPR on the final day which handed City a 3-2 win and the Premier League trophy has already made him part of Etihad folklore.

3. Vincent Kompany

Kaptain Kourageous: Kompany

Belgian Centerback and captain of the team, Vincent Kompany, has been the key to Manchester City’s fortunes with his calming presence in defence, aerial threat from set pieces and his leadership on the field of play. His ability to read situations and make vital interception at the back has been instrumental in keeping the City defence almost impenetrable. Having struggled with a few injuries last year Kompany would hope to have another successful campaign under his belt.

Written by, 

Pranav Shenoy 

Follow Pranav Shenoy on Twitter (@Devilshenoy93)

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Pranav is a writer/ contributor at 18 Yard Box

2014/15 Season Preview: Liverpool

As the inaugural day of the Premier League dawns upon us,  the team of 18 Yard Box has a look at the top teams and how the season could pan out for them. Its the Merseysiders who rule the roast today.

It was a season of "so close yet so far" for the Liverpool faithfuls. Rising from the ashes like a Phoenix, Liverpool stunned everyone with a dazzling display of football throughout the season. In a topsy turvy season, the scousers had one hand on the Premier League trophy when they defeated Manchester City in the month of Arpril. However, the boot, which Liverpool have relied on since the past decade, gave way at the most unfortunate moment as Steven Gerrard's tumble caused Demba Ba to score a goal in their match against Chelsea which enervated what little energy Liverpool had in them to go for the title. Despite being mathematically ahead at that stage, they found themselves second favorite on the final day of the season when the title eventually went to the blue side of Manchester. 

With their talisman, Luis Suarez having been lure by Barcelona, it remains to be seen as to how Brendan Rodgers prepares for a life at Anfield without the Uruguayan international.

A Glance at the 2013/14 season

The Merseysiders rolled back the years as Brendan Rodgers' team started the season firing on all cylinders. Daniel Sturridge and  Luis Suarez gave Liverpool a dream season by scoring a combined 52 goals to lead Livepool's title charge. The coming off age of Raheem Sterling aided by the creative Coutinho were positives which Brendan Rodgers extracted from his side. The contribution of their talisman Steven Gerrard cannot be undermined as his leadership skills were the team's driving force. This coupled with the impressive performances of certain Jordan Henderson meant that Liverpool would go on to score a total of 101 goals altogether in the Premier League, a feat achieved for the first time in club's history. 

Liverpool fans would certainly miss their number 7

Much credit needs to be given to the shrewd signings of Mamadou Sakho (from PSG), Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure (from Manchester City) alongwith the loan deals for Victor Moses (from Chelsea) and Ally Cissokho (from Valencia) who helped Liverpool sustain their title mount. Although Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto failed to impress in their first season, Brendan Rodger's nifty use of his resources now sees his side fighting amongst the elite in the Champions League this season. 

Although the season ended trophyless for Liverpool, their fans can take pride from their team's performances last season as they witnessed some of the best football played by their team in Arsenal's 5-1 demise and also their victories against Norwich and Manchester City. 

Major Transfers

Ins

NAME	FROM	TRANSFER FEE
Lazar Markovic	Benfica	£20.0m
Emre Can	Bayer Leverkusen	£8.0m
Adam Lallana	Southampton	£25.0m
Ricky Lambert	Southampton	£4.0m
Dejan Lovren	Southampton	£20.0m

Outs

NAME	TO	TRANSFER FEE
Luis Suarez	Barcelona	£74.0m
Iago Aspas	Sevilla	loan
Luis Alberto	Malaga	loan
Andre Wisdom	West Bromwich Albion	loan

Style of play

Brendan Rodgers likes his team to play an attacking brand of football by using formations like 3-5-2 with marauding wing backs and Gerrard building attacks from the deep, a 4-4-2 diamond and an offensive 4-3-3 amongst which his popular choice has been the 4-3-3. Playing Lucas in the deep, Rodgers frees up Gerrard and Henderson to support the attack. Having had Suarez and Sturridge at his disposal last term, Rodgers would set the 'S&S' alongwith either Sterling or Coutinho on the left in front. Liverpool heavily rely on slick passing and fiery counter attacks to knuckle down their opponents. Using the pace of Sterling and Sturridge and the vision of Gerrard, Liverpool provide a deadly outlet for their attacks. An attack without Suarez would see the young Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic help Liverpool's cause. Markovic's turn of pace and the ability to play in all forward positions adds a new dimension to the Liverpool attack. Ricky Lambert, too, would provide the much needed experience in the center by being the much needed target man that Liverpool have lacked since the times of Peter Crouch. 

Rodger's 4-4-2 narrow diamond formation which Liverpool had so often employed
 (pic courtsey: thisisanfield.com)

Rodger's favourite 4-3-3 formation
pic courtsey (talksport and sharemytactics.com)

However, this brand of football comes at a great cost. Where the Merseysiders scored 101 goals last season, they also allowed their defence to be breached for an astounding 50 times. The back four of Liverpool had a tormenting time last season. Although Lucas has been used as a shield, the 4-3-3 formation leaves plenty of gaps in the Liverpool defence which can be exploited. The acquisition of Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen this summer should help Liverpool solve this issue. The German midfielder plies his trade at the center of the park and adopts a more defensive minded approach, thereby plugging the holes. Another addition is the 25 year Dejan Lovren. A third raid on the Southampton team sees the Saints defender join Liverpool. He would provided the much neede support to Skrtel should Daniel Agger leave the club.

Expectations

Another season of fine quality football is what will be expected from them. With some shrewd signings, Rodgers has taken care of the depth of the squad. However, with all their rivals strengthening, Liverpool seems to be dropping behind the pecking order in the race for the title. Reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League and finishing in the top 4 should be the major criteria. However, Liverpool could spring up a surprise or two yet again if their new signings fire from the word go.   

Players to look out for

1. Lazar Markovic

Markovic promises to be an exciting prospect

The Serbian sensation has big boots to fill and much will be expected out of him. Intrepid in his play, the 20 year old has the potential in him to be one of Premier League's greatest. Not only does he contribute in attacks, but also his commitment towards tracking back and helping his team in defence is a quality to be admired of. His crosses during his Benfica days have always been dangerous and he would soon be looking to make a place in the hearts of the Liverpool folklore.

2. Adam Lallana

His intelligence would come in handy for The Reds

The former Saints man provides The Reds with an attacker with the Premier League experience. Having worn the captain's armband at Southampton, Lallana also provides the leadership qualities to Liverpool. His runs from the wings with an eye for goals makes him a terrific acquisition.

3. Daniel Sturridge

He will need to step up for The Reds

Liverpool has always been a striker's haven with their fans have witnessed the magic of plenty of strikers in the form of Michael Own, Luis Garcia, Fernando Torres and the latest being their Golden Boot winner Luis Suarez. Sturridge is one such striker who would look to emulate such performances and fill in the gap left Suarez. With the support provided by the creative Coutinho, pacy Sterling and the effervescent Markovic this season, the English international would be the one Liverpool would rely on to provide them much needed threat in front of goal.

Written By, 

Rishabh Ghai

Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for Starsports India and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.

Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter @rish2610

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2014/15 Season Preview: Arsenal

With hardly any time for the Premier League season to kick-off, we, at 18 Yard Box bring to you a series of season previews of the top sides in this league. Today, we look at the side which finished in the 4^th spot, Arsenal FC.

The Red side of North London.

2013-14 Season Review

The season that began with a disastrous defeat to Aston Villa on home turf ended with a glorious victory at Wembley 10 months later. Arsenal managed to stay atop for a staggering128 days but fizzled out in the second half of the season & towards the end they were nowhere to be seen in the title race. The big-game mauling at the hands of title rivals hurt them most, thereby raising questions about their credibility of staying top. In Europe, a controversy marred encounter against Bayern Munich lead to their exit but they had themselves to blame for, having drawn the 2013 champions by finishing second in their group. However, the league & champions league debacles aren’t the talking points of their campaign. It was the FA Cup glory in May that put an end to the club’s miserable 8 year trophy-less run.

The wait is over.

Expectations

Coming off from a stupendous end to the previous season which ended their fight for silverware, Arsene Wenger must have his sight set for bigger things campaign. Not losing key players is in itself a bonus for this club but the signings of proven players like Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and a young Calum Chambers has added more steal to the squad. In Debuchy Arsenal have signed a player who pipped Sagna in the France line-up. However, Debuchy has got big boots to fill. The quality of Sagna’s crosses is second to none & it would be very difficult to match that let alone better it. 

The big-money move of Chilean superstar Alexis Sanchez, rocked the transfer market & it sure sent waves all over the country. Alexis, who had a not so glorious time at Camp Nou grabbed the limelight with some scintillating match-winning displays during the World Cup. A player who is in his prime, with enough experience at the club & country level, Arsenal have bagged someone on whom they bank on to deliver match-winning performances. His versatility to play on the wings as well as in the center would be a huge boost for Arsenal having been over-reliant on Olivier Giroud last season.

The quality addition of the Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina provides the Gunners a reliable back up should Wojciech Szczesny fail to deliver consistently. Ospina's ability to deal with crosses coupled with his  short stopping abilities makes him a good coup. 

It's now or never for these young guns!!

It’s also time for young guns like Jack Wilshere & Oxlade-Chamberlain to stand up & deliver. With three players joining the squad as World Champions, the Gooners can only hope that their winning ways carry on domestically. Club-record signing Mesut Ozil who didn’t have spectacular debut season in London will need to deliver to the club’s expectations this time around. With more signings on the radar, a strong show both domestically as well as in Europe is what the fans would be hoping for.

While a top four finish remains a priority, this squad with a couple of additions should be able put in a better title challenge.

Style of play

The Arsenal way!!

Arsene Wenger likes his team to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation. While pushing forward, they switch to a 4-1-4-1 system with Mikel Arteta holding back. Though Arteta is more of a no.8, he has done extremely well in the holding midfielder position. With Giroud acting as the target man, the Arsenal midfield rely on him to hold on to the ball while they join him in attack. Last season Arsenal's defence had been far better than the previous campaigns. Having lost the ball, the midfield were drilled to mark zones so that the opponent couldnt thread a pass through. Despite this, Arsenal were guilty of letting in plenty of goals against top sides and an inclusion of a defensive midfielder would do wonders for this team. Having said that the midfield already looks packed. Beautiful football is what this team have delivered each season. Whatever be the result, it is very rare that one would be disappointed with quality of football at the final whistle of an Arsenal game.

Key Players

1. Wojciech Szczesny

Making it loud & clear who is No.1 at Arsenal.

Over the years, Szczesny was always rated very highly by the Arsenal manager. But regular slip-ups raised questions about his status as Arsenal’s No.1. The Pole answered all those by putting in a solid display between the sticks throughout the last campaign. The last decade has seen what impact keepers like Van Der Sar & Cech have had on their side’s title challenges. So it is imperative that Szczesny & his defensive colleagues don’t ship in too many goals. With Ospina around to remind him that his place could be in jeapardy, the Polish international would look to be more consistent.

2. Mesut Ozil

Time to stand up & deliver.

A year has gone by and we have hardly witnessed the genius of Mesut Ozil. All the hype surrounding his arrival has taken a beating with his below-par performances. Not only does the club, which spent staggering amounts of money, deserve some remuneration from him, the football viewers in general are desperate to catch a glimpse of some mesmerizing skills this German superstar is known for. With Sanchez on board, the Cazorla-Ozil-Sanchez trio looks a formidable one on paper.

3. Theo Walcott

Catch him if you can!!

With the competition in midfield so high, one wonders if Walcott would even make to the starting XI. What Arsenal missed most during the second half of the season was the different dimension that Theo gives them. He is unlike other Arsenal midfielders. He might not be the most technically gifted player on the pitch but he offers width & express pace like no other. With Walcott in the side, they have something more in their arsenal. Coming off from a serious injury, it’ll take time before he plays week in week out, but over the course of a long season it safe to say that he’ll have a great impact on how their campaign shapes up.

Written By,
Pranav Byatnal 

Follow Pranav Byatnal on Twitter @pranavTH14

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Pranav Byatnal is writer/contributor at 18 Yard Box.