We look forward to the visit of Manchester City this weekend so we had a chat with the team at It’s Always Blue to find out their thoughts ahead of the game.
Q. What were your hopes and dreams for the season before a ball was kicked?
Since City won the league in 2012, we have been on an ‘every other season’ pattern. Winning one year, bottling it the next. Going purely based on trend, I hoped that this season would end with another trophy in the City cabinet. Even last season, when City were playing poorly more often than they were playing well, we have always had the squad necessary to win major titles. I had high expectations of this team, even before we made some major signings this summer. Overall, I always expect an exciting season of football from the Premier League. Any team can win on any given day.
Q. How did City do in the transfer market this summer?
City have done well. I am prepared to call it the best window we have ever had. Of course, we have yet to see the likes of Otamendi, De Bruyne, or Delph play. On paper these names really contribute to and strengthen our already world class squad. Raheem Sterling also seems to be finding his feet now at the club, and he will do great things this season. With these additions to the team, and with those that have left (Jovetic, Džeko), I can see that Pellegrini is curating a squad that can contend not only in England, but also at the European level in the Champions League.
Q. Could the start to the season have been any better for you?
No! City are looking sharp and dangerous out on the pitch, reminiscent of their flying 2013/14 form. All players are working together incredibly well, most likely because this is the second or third season for some recent players such as Fernandinho and Mangala. The defence has not been a catastrophe like last season, which means that we have kept a clean sheet in each of the four games so far. We are scoring goals as we should be, and maybe we are not scoring five or six in a match, but the quality of play is what matters. Not to mention, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United imploding at the moment, leaving City sitting on top of the table.
Q. With the new additions to the squad, what effect do you think they will have on current players and formations?
Sterling’s move to the club has been revolutionary not only for his personal contribution, but for what he has done for the role of David Silva on the pitch. With Sterling taking Silva’s left wing role in the middle four, the Spaniard has been able to push up higher to be in prime position closer to the strikers. From what we have seen so far, Silva is looking better than ever with his new found license to attack. I think De Bruyne will replace the inconsistent Navas (at least for the Champions League), and Otamendi and Delph will be rotational players. We have also signed quite a few young players which will rejuvenate the first team whilst providing motivation for the promising development squad.
Q. Is there a feeling that City are aiming for the Premier League title at the expense of other competitions?
I do not think so. As I mentioned earlier, the additions to this squad feel like City are building three separate teams. One for the Premier League, one for domestic competitions, and one for the Champions League. The Premier League is certainly something attainable for City at the moment, and I think that when the Champions League begins, we will see this squad being able to handle both competitions at a time. This being our fifth time in the Champions League, I think we have the ability to make it past the round of sixteen this year, and I get the sense that everybody at the club feels it. There is this hunger that all of the players and coaching staff have expressed, as if it is our time to find success in the Champions League this year.
Q. How do you think Palace have done so far this season and how do you rate our moves in the transfer market?
I would say that I am surprised with the impressive start to the season by Palace. They have fulfilled expectations, in reality. With Alan Pardew as manager, on the whole a great tactician who has had some bumps along the road, this side deserves what they have achieved thus far. The defeat to Arsenal was unlucky, the wins against Norwich and Villa were hard-earned, and the victory against Chelsea was conclusive. The team worked well to exploit the Chelsea weaknesses (thanks for that, by the way!) As for their signings, Palace has done some good business this summer. Connor Wickham is the standout name for me. I remember how much torment he gave City two seasons ago while at Sunderland. Cabaye is another ace signing, and Sako was another strong addition who has proved his worth with some wonderful goals recently.
Q. Who do you think will win the domestic trophies this season – Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup?
I might be biased, but I can see City winning the Premier League this season. Nobody really looks a challenge for us so far, and we have the firepower to do it, but it is still too early to make a conclusive prediction. Although, I did recently have a dream that City clinched the title before the New Year. Impossible I know, but it could mean something. All I can say for the FA Cup and League Cup is that a Championship side will not win. City have yet to play in the FA Cup, and have just drawn Sunderland in the League Cup (a replay of 2014’s final). Because City are looking so strong, I think they will win the double – the Premier League and the League Cup. The FA Cup probably will not go to Arsenal again, so I will just make a random prediction and say Crystal Palace have the capacity to win it. They are currently the only other team in the top division that is doing well enough to win anything.
Q. Name one player from each side that the other team should be wary of for this fixture.
City have got to watch out for Bakary Sako. He is a talented player in that not only can he finish, but also his movement is good enough to leave defenders in their tracks. Palace should be wary of Raheem Sterling. His speed and skill can catch many a player rooted in place, and he has recently found his scoring boots. He will be a danger for many a team.
Q. Your prediction for the game?
Though a pretty even competition, I think City will edge the match 2-1. City will score first, Palace will equalise, and we will get a winner close to the end of the match. I am looking forward to an exciting game.
Q. And finally, please tell us a little about your selves and any projects that you are working on.
It’s Always Blue has been up and running since August 2013, inspired by the ability of football to permeate a fan’s entire life – hence, for a City fan, it’s always blue! I am the sole admin of the blog and Twitter page. I am 17 years old, originally from Manchester but currently living in America. This season on the blog, I am looking to diversify my content while interacting with as many football lovers as possible.
