It was always going to be an uphill task to claim three Premier League titles on the bounce, however after Manchester City surrendered their title to Liverpool last campaign, finishing 18 points behind, there is no doubt the Blues will be out for redemption this term.

After Pep Guardiola's side suffered Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Lyon last month, they will be looking to get straight back into domestic action to put their European disappointment behind them.

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Despite this, the Blues will have to wait a little longer than most of their fellow Premier League counterparts, as the campaign will get going a week later after they were given an extra week's preparation due to their involvement in Europe.

Most City fans could be seen to be spoiled when regarding last season's campaign as underwhelming one, as the former Premier League champions did come away with one piece of silverware in the Carabao Cup for the third time on the trot.

However, with Guardiola's squad hungry to regain the rest of their domestic crowns, and finally crack Europe they will have their eyes firmly fixed on all four prizes on offer this term.

Recapping pre-season

As mentioned, due to City's involvement in the Champions League, the Premier league handed Guardiola and his side an extra period of rest ahead of the new campaign. This has meant that the Blues' are yet to feature in any pre-season friendlies thus far, after only returning to training last week.

Furthermore, with 13 players reporting for international duty, and then both Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez testing positive for coronavirus, it is fair to say that City's pre-season training has been a quiet one.

Transfer business 

Now, if this was being written a couple of weeks ago, the name Lionel Messi would have been the main topic of conversation, but now that one has been well and truly squashed let's take a look at the Blues' business so far.

The first man through the door was Spanish international Ferran Torres who arrived from Valencia for a reported £21million.  The youngster joins as an almost like-for-like replacement for Leroy Sane who departed for Bayern Munich earlier this summer for a fee of around £47million.

Guardiola has also looked to strengthen his backline by bringing in centre-back Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for a reported £41million. Furthermore, it has been no secret that the Blues' boss wants to sure up his defence further, with Napoli centre-back, Kalidou Koulibaly being heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium all summer.

Who is Man City's key player?

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In a squad full of star-studded players the main man could again prove to be Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian lit up the Premier League last campaign, notching up 13 goals and 20 assists (a league record) as well as claiming the Premier League Player of the Season award.

Therefore, if the Blues are to get their hands on the title this coming season, one man who will be key in their efforts is De Bruyne.

A breakthrough talent

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One youngster who could prove to be a shining star in Guardiola's side is new man Torres after proving himself to be one of the brightest prospects in La Liga last term.

The winger's fast-moving and skillful style of play makes him the ideal man for Guardiola's attacking, free-flowing philosophy, and after impressing on the international stage for Spain over the last week it seems that the Blues have bagged themselves one of world football's rising talents.

Writer's verdict

It is no secret that City's main aim for the upcoming Premier League campaign will be to finish top of the pile, in spite of finishing a long way behind Klopp and his side last term. However, despite last season's struggles it will be no surprise to see the Blues close that gap, and go neck-and-neck to the very end with the Reds this campaign.

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