The Citizens were second best to champions Chelsea last season and will be hoping to make an impression this time around. Their campaign kicks off with an away fixture against West Brom.

The Citizens have not been very active in the transfer window but Manuel Pellegrini seems content with the players he has in his roster. The Manchester side have not been at their level best in pre-season and to make matters worse, some of the key players have been struck with illness which might rule them out of the opening game.

Hart the undisputed first choice

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart

The 28 year old has established quite a reputation and is poised to remain first choice for the Citizens. He faces competition in the form of Willy Caballero who made just two league appearances last season and is unlikely to cause much trouble to Joe Hart.

Defensive troubles

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Martin Demichelis, Aleksandar Kolarov

The Citizens twice conceded four goals in pre-season once against Real Madrid and then against German side Stuttgart. Talismanic captain Vincent Kompany has hardly been his reliable self which is a source of concern for the Sky Blues.

His partner in crime Martin Demichelis no longer boasts the same influence he once did but is expected to retain his place in the starting eleven. Eliaquim Mangala who was signed for a hefty fee last season has failed to live up to the billing but big things are expected from him during his second season at the club.

Only Jesus Navas featured more often in pre-season for Man City than French international Bacary Sagna but the former Arsenal man is expected to be benched at the expense of the reliable Pablo Zabaleta. With Gael Clichy suffering from a muscular injury, Serbian international Aleksandar Kolarov is expected to start at left back for the Citizens.

Yaya to step up?

Midfielders: Yaya Toure, Fernando, Fernandinho

The Ivorian did not have the best of seasons last time out and will be raring to have a strong start to the season. His contributions in the 2013/14 season resulted in the Citizens winning the Premier League title and the talismanic midfielder will be looking to have a similar impact once again.

With James Milner having moved to Liverpool on a free transfer, City acquired the services of Fabian Delph over the summer but the former Aston Villa man suffered injury in only his first start for his new club and will not be available for selection against West Brom. This means that Brazilian duo Fernando and Fernandinho will be anchoring the midfield and will have to provide security to the attacking talent upfront.

Sterling inspired attack

Forwards: David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling

A dramatic transfer saga ended with the Citizens paying a hefty fee for the highly rated English youngster who had made quite an impact in pre-season. The former Liverpool man has been deployed in a number of positions in preseason games and has impressed both on the flanks and when leading the line.

Sergio Aguero, David Silva as well as Samir Nasri suffered from illnesses and did not train with the squad. However what bodes well for Man City is the fact that they play on Monday, which gives their star players extra time to recover. If Aguero is unable to regain match fitness, Manuel Pellegrini can make use of the services of Wilfried Bony who is yet to make an impression at his new club. Edin Dzeko on the other hand is poised to complete his move to Italian club Roma which means that Man City might be looking for additions upfront.

Here is Man City's ideal starting XI for their opener vs. West Brom:

Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov; Toure, Fernando, Fernandinho; Silva, Aguero, Sterling

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

West Bromwich Albion 0 - 3 Manchester City

August 10, 2015 3:00pmThe Hawthorns (West Bromwich)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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