Manchester City - Are they the best of the rest?

Easily the surprise packet of the EPL to date, Manchester City has flown out of the blocks on the back of some star imports from every corner of the globe. Talent cultivated from their world-class Youth Academy and a Manager with a point to prove has created a dangerous combination. Currently showing class and poise previously associated with their rivals in red, City have stunned fans, critics and rivals alike with their European game style and panache. The turn around from last year is remarkable in itself, but can they keep it up?

This new city is a completely different beast to the timid creature of the past, where long balls and turmoil were the orders of the day, But with the change of owner in the off-season, the club previously ridiculed, has been rejuvenated with a list that can mount a serious challenge to the EPL.

The Players:

The Brazilian Elano is the midfield maestro that is the heartbeat of this City side. He has talent to burn and a willingness to play for the team rarely seen in a footballer of his stature. Sven-Goran Eriksson has surrounded him with the ball-winning prowess of the veteran Didi Haaman, and the youthful exuberance of Michael Johnson. Also contributing is the devastating Martin Petrov waiting on the left wing to pounce on any mistake.

City has one of the safest defenses in the Premier league at the moment. With Vedran Corluka and Javi Garrido are fitting into the system well, and Micah Richards and Richard Dunne are excelling themselves in the centre of defense. City has little worries with depth also waiting in the wings if needed.

They have a strong goalkeeping contingent, but also injury worries and concerns that Kasper Schmiechal is not ready for the EPL. These were found out against Fulham when three were slotted home. Sven Goran Eriksson wouldn't be sweating on the availability of Swede Andreas Isakson, however he will be relieved when he has an experienced keeper in the net.

The most pressing area that City has is their company of strikers. The two standouts are Rolando Bianchi and Valeri Bojinov. But with Bojinov out till Christmas and Bianchi struggling with a groin complaint there are genuine injury worries. The experienced Belgian Mpenza has been playing as a lone man up front and is easily zoned out of games with experienced defenders.

The Manager:

Sven Goran Eriksson has been hammered from pillar to post in the English media for his performance in World Cups with the National Team, but the facts remain that he was in general a success. He has vast experience and with the departure of Jose Mourinho is in the top 4 managers. He brings a wealth of European experience with Lazio, Roma, Benfica and a glittering career that shows wherever he goes, he wins.

Still smarting from his dismissal from the hardest job in International Football, Sven has a point to prove and is more than capable of dragging City to the top to prove it.

The Verdict:

City has a great side this year, and a great future. Their closest opponents would appear to be the black and white of Newcastle. The 3-1 win over the Magpies put a nice little gap between the two sides. They have the form, the manager, and the players to claim a top spot this year. If they can acquire another class striker in the January transfer window and their star's can acclimatize to the harsh English winter, where the games resemble battles of war rather than a game of sport, then they have a serious chance of challenging for the title of Best of the rest.

The best of the rest is a bet option offered by various Sportsbooks. It is backing the winner of the Barclay's Premier League without the big four power clubs. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are not included in the market. At the moment 4.35 is available at Victor Chandler. This is a fantastic price that we recommend taking advantage of!

• 
• 
• Email to a friend
• Print