Man City: Top Four?

Can Man City become the first side since Everton to break the Monopoly of the Top Four?

This man certainly thinks so, setting it out as his aim when he joined. And in becoming the first manager EVER to win his first four games, he has put down a strong marker. However, I could probably have beaten Stoke, Wolves, Boro and Blackburn (with Man City’s side obviously, not alone) so there are no great shakes there.

City’s next four games, in which they face Everton and Manchester United twice, will be a far better indicator.

It’s looked all season like City will struggle to gel, that chucking all those players together won’t pay dividends immediately, that the contrasting playing styles won’t smoothly cocktail into a winning formula.

But Mancini might just be the agent the City diaspora requires. New manager syndrome and all that, and someone with an impressive CV (three consecutive Serie A titles) may provide a jolt of impetus. We will see over the next few weeks.

What will also have an effect is their action in the transfer window. Defenders must be a priority, with Lescott and Bridge looking sub-standard and Toure a shadow of the player he once was. Zabaleta (playing out of position) looks the most capable – although Micah Richards is experiencing some form of renaissance.

The impact of Patrick Vieira will also be interesting. Will he play? If he does, is he up for it? It is well known Arsene Wenger turned down the chance to re-sign him, and there are reports his legs are ‘gone’. His winning mentality should have a positive effect of the pitch; but what will he do on it?

All ifs, buts, and maybes. But you can back City at 3/1 to finish ahead of United – and for my money that’s a good bet.