What Formation Should Manchester City Line-up In Next Season?

Manuel Pellegrini will have his task cut out next season

Manchester City made a strong finish to their trophy-less 2014/15 season, winning their final six games in the Barclays Premier League and comfortably finishing in 2nd place, ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United, who looked likely to finish above them at one stage during the campaign.

Manuel Pellegrini deployed his side in the 4-2-3-1 system for the final seven league fixtures, including the 2-4 derby defeat at Old Trafford, and the results were there to be seen.

It wasn't a major innovation from 'the Engineer', who, during his reign at the Etihad Stadium, has been continually castigated for his inclination to playing the 4-4-2 formation, one which saw the 2013/14 English champions score a whopping 156 goals across all competitions.

Pellegrini's decision was also forced, in many ways, due to Edin Dzeko's poor form and disillusioned exterior; Wilfried Bony, the new recruit from Swansea City, suffered ankle and knee injuries during the latter stages of the campaign, making the manager's decision all the more straightforward.

Looking ahead to next season, what sort of a system can Pellegrini deploy his side in? The Chilean is a firm believer in his methods, though some would argue that his dogmatism is uncalled for, with City vying for domestic and continental honors.

When the Etihad outfit brought in the likes of Eliaquim Mangala, Fernando Reges, Frank Lampard and Bacary Sagna, who were the outfield players to sign for the then defending champions, last summer, their system didn't need tweaking.

The addition of the aforementioned quartet to the City squad meant that their midfield and rearguard were not only strengthened, but could also be rotated - which is exactly what Pellegrini did for a majority of their campaign.

This summer, the club seems motivated to sign a world class player, with Paul Pogba and Kevin de Bruyne topping the coveted list of players.

The question, therefore, is whether the new additions will force Pellegrini to tinker with his playing system? And, if so, what formation could the Sky Blues line-up in next season, in the UEFA Champions League and domestic competitions?

Read on...

A lot has been said about the way City have lined-up over the last two seasons, with particular emphasis placed on getting outnumbered in midfield whenever Pellegrini's side has played in the 4-4-2 formation.

However, not many have been aware of the notion that it is the players who make the system work, and not the other way around.

Let us take the 4-2-3-1, or 4-4-1-1, formation for instance: usually, David Silva plays as the No.10 and Sergio Aguero, the club's No.1 striker, plays up top. Now, when City are out of possession, Silva remains high up the pitch along with Aguero, and their team drops into two banks of four.

Average positions of City players in a 4-4-2, when out of possession

Therefore, 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 is hardly any different from a 4-4-2 formation, especially without possession of the ball.

When in possession, it is fundamental that City work as a team and do everything possible to find the back of the net, leaving the two central defenders along with Fernandinho, the No.4 or midfield pivot, to do the bulk of the defensive work when a turnover in possession occurs.

Talking of next season, Pellegrini might have to play a different formation if either Pogba or de Bruyne joins up with the existent City squad.

The Cityzens already have three midfielders - Toure, Fernandinho and Fernando - at their disposal, and only two of them can play in the 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 systems.

De Bruyne, though, is versatile and could be deployed in at least 2 or 3 positions, making it possible for City to continue lining up in the aforementioned systems, with the Belgian and Silva presumably forming a good partnership in the attacking-third with Aguero.

City lining up in the 4-3-3 system is not out of the question, if Txiki Begiristain and co. bring in the players who are reported to be interesting them.

De Bruyne will give Pellegrini many tactical options to choose from

Such a formation will make profound changes to City's engine room, which could then have one of the two Brazilian midfielders playing as a solitary pivot behind Toure and, possibly, one amongst de Bruyne and Silva partnering the Ivorian in that advanced midfield position.

Jesus Navas and Samir Nasri, you would think, will flank Aguero in the final-third.

The 4-3-3 formation will give City a lot more potency when attacking, while also giving them better defensive solidity than what they enjoy in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2.

The notion, however, remains the same: each player has to play his role well, in order to make the system work.

Final Thought

It remains to be seen what City do with Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic, and whether the duo is shown the door when the Transfer Window opens in July.

However, regardless of what happens to the aforementioned duo, or even one among them, don't be surprised if Pellegrini sticks with the 4-4-2 system in the Premier League and cup competitions.

In Europe, City could lineup in the 4-3-3 formation, that is if they bring in more central midfielders.

City, simply put, defended flimsily last season

Finally, City's defensive struggles last season were not due to the formation they played in, but because of the defenders' - Vincent Kompany and Mangala, in particular - poor form throughout the campaign, which led to their side conceding some really cheap goals against considerably lesser opposition.

Barclays Premier League: Five Things We Learned From Manchester City's Victory Against Swansea City

Yaya Toure's brace was pivotal to City's victory yesterday

Manchester City, by way of a 4-2 victory against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, registered their 5th consecutive Barclays Premier League win since suffering defeat at the hands of Manchester United in April, and assured themselves of direct qualification into the group stages of next season's UEFA Champions League.

It was a brilliant game of football, that didn't have too much to choose between two attractive football teams.

But City, with a bit more firepower than the hosts, in attack, managed to outscore Gary Monk's side that played with great vigor and incision.

Yaya Toure (2), James Milner and former Swan, Wilfried Bony, got the goals for the visitors, who would have been disappointed at the way they conceded the two goals, which were scored by Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafetimbi Gomis on either side of half-time, and let Swansea back in after leading them by 2-0 in the first 45'.

From City's perspective, they certainly would be cock-a-hoop because of yesterday's victory that sees them finish above the Red Devils in the Premier League standings for the second consecutive season. However, in hindsight, what can they takeaway from their display against the Swans?

The home side played as they were expected to

Having accrued 56 points, which is the highest ever points tally in their history, from 36 games prior to the defeat to City, it was not unexpected of Swansea to perform the way they did and take the game to their illustrious opponents.

Montero posed plenty of problems for Zabaleta on City's right-hand-side

Out of possession, they were well organized and forced City to work hard to create openings. When they won the ball back, the Welsh side broke in unison and asked a few questions of their opponents' rearguard that found it difficult to cope with the pacey Swansea forwards - Nathan Dyer, Jefferson Montero, and Modou Barrow in the second half.

Sigurdsson's goal, which came on the stroke of half-time, was a timely one and reminded City that the game was not over by any means.

Gomis got the second goal after 20 minutes into the second half, and incidentally, it once again came at a time when City were fashioning chances of their own and close to finding what could have been a decisive 3rd goal.

Swansea, considering the way they scored the two goals and created 7 other goal scoring chances on the evening, would be bitterly disappointed at the result they managed in the end.

Lukasz Fabianski had a forgettable game, as he should have done much better for both the Toure goals and at least got a hand to Milner's goal, which came from a brilliant City counterattack.

Overall, Swansea played well and contributed to a very good game of football, which was also not unexpected prior to kickoff.

But, hopefully, this game could help them identify the areas they need to tighten up on when playing against the big boys of the Premier League and also have a look at harnessing the opportunities, like they were afforded by City last night.

City produced a 'good' away performance

There were many a moment during yesterday's game when Manuel Pellegrini's men were under the pump and had to weather a Swansea storm.

Such a scenario was particularly palpable even prior to City scoring the opener, with the likes of Montero posing defensive questions to Pablo Zabaleta and Dyer too, investigating Eliaquim Mangala's temperament as a Premier League defender.

The visitors, though, came through every one of those testing phases, first to take a 2-0 lead and then to restore their two-goal advantage after Swansea equalized.

Milner's goal came from a terrific City counterattack

I thought that Pellegrini's side played some delightful counterattacking football, with Milner's goal in particular exuding great precision and illustrating the clinical nature of City's attacking play, on a day when they created 20 goal scoring chances and attempted 22 shots on Fabianski's goal.

The Cityzens only saw 51% of the ball, which is 5% less than the amount of possession they have averaged over this season, during the 95 minutes, but never found it hard to create chances and repeatedly got behind the Ashley Williams-led backline.

Such incisive attacking performances have been few and far in between for City, who will no doubt look into improving on that aspect of their game before the next season kicks off.

City showed why they are far from becoming a force in Europe

Yesterday's game was a carbon copy of City's early season clash against Hull City at the KC Stadium where, after taking a 2-0 lead, they conceded two cheap goals to let the home side back into the game.

Against Swansea, they were probably not as dominant as against Steve Bruce's side, but no way should Monk's men have got back into it and posed fresh concerns for City.

The central defensive partnership of Martin Demichelis and Mangala didn't have a great time yesterday, and found it extremely hard to deal with Gomis' physicality and genuine aerial ability.

Mangala was probably assigned to mark the 29-year old striker, but the Frenchman was caught out of position many times and Swansea found plenty of joy in playing around the former FC Porto defender.

City's rearguard was not up to the mark against Swansea yesterday

While Mangala had a forgettable game, Demichelis didn't produce one of his best performances either, winning just 1 of his 5 attempted tackles and failed to win his solitary aerial duel.

Vincent Kompany came on for the last 15 minutes, replacing Fernandinho and going alongside Mangala, with Demichelis moving into that No.4 position.

Even the inception of the Belgian defender didn't improve City rearguard's performance on the day, which was way below par. On another day, Swansea could have won that game if not for Joe Hart, who made two jaw-dropping saves to keep the score at 2-2 before Toure put City in the lead for the second time on the day.

Defensive problems have marred what has been a disappointing season for the Sky Blues, who once again relinquished a two-goal lead yesterday, before redeeming themselves and eventually going onto win the game.

Their attacking play was coruscating for a best part of 95 minutes, but defensively, against a pacey Swansea outfit, they were far from convincing, which explains why they have vast improvements to make in order to become a force in Europe.

It was a team effort from Pellegrini's side

This was one of the stark aspects of City's performance against Swansea yesterday: at least 60% of the players who played yesterday, put in satisfying displays. 

Toure had a brilliant game and was mighty pivotal to City's victory against the Swans. He scored 2 goals that gave his side the lead on both the occasions, while completing 87% of his passes and all three attempted take-ons: complete midfielder's display, that. 

Aleksandar Kolarov continued his rich vein of form with another solid display at left-back, where he had his task cut out against the fleet-footed Swansea wingers - Dyer and Barrow. 

The Serbian won 3 of his 6 attempted tackles and 3 of the 5 aerial duels he was involved in, while also making 2 interceptions and 4 clearances, to vindicate the defensive solidity he rendered yesterday. In an attacking sense too, he played to profile: delivering well from corner-kick situations, from which he created two goal scoring chances, and in general provided great attacking impetus to the visitors. 

Silva and Milner were prolific as a partnership for their side

Likewise, Milner was great to watch, as his understanding with David Silva led to City creating many chances from the left-hand-side once Navas replaced Frank Lampard, and the man from Yorkshire moved into a No.10 position. On the evening, Milner created 6 goal scoring chances; completed all (4) his attempted take-ons and scored a goal, to cap off a comprehensive performance. 

Hart made 7 saves overall; Sergio Aguero made the assist for Milner's goal; Silva registered two assists and completed 5 of his 7 attempted take-ons; Bony, as aforementioned, scored a goal against his old club, in the 10 minutes he got to play in for his new one. 

Therefore, it was a team effort from City who totally deserved the result they managed yesterday.  

City's good run of form carried them through

There were moments during yesterday's game when City could have crumbled under the pressure exerted on them by Swansea. They, however, kept going and managed to pull off the desired result in the end.

The players looked confident whenever City were in possession, and there was fluidity to most City attacks against Monk's side. 

City will be cock-a-hoop by the result they managed at the Liberty Stadium

Aguero led the line well, even though he didn't produce a good performance on his own, and the Milner-Silva duo was absolutely fabulous to watch.  

Even after Swansea attained parity, you never thought that City were going to get agitated and fail to create any more chances; that belief, I think, is a result of the winning run Pellegrini's side has been in since the Manchester derby defeat, and also the boost they would have garnered from the manner of their victory against Aston Villa at the Etihad three weeks ago. 

Final Thought

Pellegrini will be delighted by the result, but should investigate City's frailties

Poor defending and letting a 2-goal lead slip, again, probably will take a bit of the sheen off City's victory against Swansea. 

But take no credit away from City for the way they attacked Fabianski's goal and created as many chances as they did, playing away from home. 

Let us also not forget the contribution of Hart to the victory, which would definitely have not been possible without those two massive saves the England No.1 pulled off after Kompany replaced Fernandinho.

Pellegrini will be one happy man, and inching to finish the season with a win against Southampton at home. 

Barclays Premier League: Five Things We Learned From Manchester City's Victory Over Queens Park Rangers

It was a comprehensive City performance against QPR

Manchester City were in ruthless mode against Queens Park Rangers (QPR), putting six goals past Robert Green to register their fourth consecutive victory since their last Barclays Premier League defeat.

The hosts were clinical in everything they did last night, but were greatly helped by the sloppiness of a Rangers side that played like it had accepted relegation even before Mike Dean blew his whistle for kickoff.

Manuel Pellegrini struck with the same starting XI that played with great spunk to win against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane 8 days ago, and his personnel responded well to the situation.

Sergio Aguero, a player who is almost a certainty now to win the Premier League Golden Boot for this season, opened the scoring after just four minutes into the game and followed it up with two more goals in the second half, to complete his third hat-trick of the season.

Aleksandar Kolarov, David Silva and James Milner scored the three other goals to hand the Londoners a humiliating defeat on their way into the Football League Championship next season.

The atmosphere inside the Etihad Stadium was rather muted, which, however, was not unexpected given that the home side was not fighting for any honors as such, but the players kept running about and made sure their performance levels didn't dwindle because of the partisan crowd that turned up to watch them.

We got to learn a few things from a comprehensive City performance, and here are they.

City players' energy levels were so invigorating to see

City played with verve and panache

Ahead of the game, there were question marks over the mentality of the City players, and whether they would turn up for a game such as yesterday's.

Over the last 3-4 seasons, we have seen City, as a unit, not turn up or be a little lethargic in their approach to these kinds of games, but there were no traces of complacency from each one of the City player who played last night.

In fact, it was so good to see City players fighting for every ball, tackle hard and play as a unit while attacking or defending. It was as though Pellegrini's men challenged themselves to be a better side, irrespective of how the visitors performed.

Overall, City attempted an impressive 34 tackles, made 22 interceptions and 34 clearances, which is a testament to their work-rate and commitment last night. And it was one of the marquee aspects of City's victory over QPR.

Shambolic QPR allowed certain City players to gain some confidence

There has been no doubt that certain personnel in the City camp have struggled for form over the course of this season, which has had an inhibiting effect on their team as a whole.

QPR didn't bother to take the game to the home side

The likes of Eliaquim Mangala, Fernando Reges and Kolarov would have expected better performances of themselves before the season began.

Yes, you could argue that Mangala and Fernando have come into a new league and taken time to settle down, but let us not forget that they showed great potential during their times at FC Porto, which captured the attention of Txiki Begiristain who subsequently brought them to the Etihad.

But the duo's performances have not been up to the expected standard and the confidence levels have surely been low for much of this season.

Same applies to the Serbian, who performed very well in Pellegrini's first season in-charge of the club. But he has also struggled for form, suffered a calf injury prior to the first Manchester derby of the season, and only over the last month has he been able to get a run of games in the side.

The aforementioned trio performed well against Spurs, too, but yesterday's game against the Rangers was a terrific opportunity to build more confidence and regain their form, even though the season is nearing its end.

Yesterday's outing against a disillusioned QPR would have allowed the trio of Fernando, Mangala and Kolarov to reflect on themselves and the mistakes they have committed at various stages during this campaign.

City played with great rhythm and precision

By way of scoring six goals yesterday, City took their tally to 77 goals in the Premier League this season.

However, how often have we, this season, seen the Citizens play the brand of football they did yesterday? Not in many games, for sure.

Yes, QPR's ineptitude allowed the hosts to play the game at their own pace, which they did with great aplomb, but it was definitely an attractive performance filled with some magical moments.

Silva was at the heart of most City moves

Silva, as is often the case, was at the heart of most City attacks, taking up positions in the center of the field and orchestrating the proceedings for his side. The Spaniard created 5 chances altogether, in addition to completing 3 of 5 attempted take-ons and 87% of his passes, and finally capped off his performance with a calmly taken goal.

The likes of Fernandinho and Frank Lampard were also in very good form, combining very well with Silva and doing their bit to not affect City's attacking rhythm that we haven't seen for much of this season.

Wilfried Bony, with his assist for Silva's goal and second key pass for Milner's goal from a corner delivered by Kolarov, also put in an eye-catching performance as a substitute.

It will definitely rank as one of City's best performances, at least in an attacking sense, of the season.

It was a team performance, for sure

You can point to Aguero's hat-trick and Silva's all-round display, as the highlights of City's win over QPR.

Every City player chipped in with a good performance

But, in hindsight, it was a comprehensive City performance that had every player putting his hand up and playing his role to perfection: Joe Hart was flawless whenever he was called into action; Martin Demichelis and Mangala put in another good defensive performance; Pablo Zabaleta and Milner were dogged in their efforts at right-back and right-attacking-midfield, respectively; Kolarov, Fernandinho and Silva combined very well down the City left-hand-side; Lampard did his bit as a No.10, and we already have noted the classic Aguero.

Yesterday's performance might well have arrived at an inconsequential stage of the season, but very few sides can cope with City when they play like they did yesterday.

We cannot read too much into it, even though it was a top drawer performance

The headline says it all, really.

Pellegrini will be happy, but know it is all about next season

Coming to the end of the season, with no silverware to fight for, it was good to see City players and Pellegrini motivate themselves and produce the kind of performance they did against Chris Ramsey's side.

However, the calibre of the City's opponents meant that the home side wasn't pushed or tested to their limits, which cannot be an ideal scenario to learn about yourself.

Also, with the season about to end, City getting into form cannot be significant. Can it?

Final Thought

Yesterday's victory, and Liverpool's draw with Chelsea, assured City of a place in next season's UEFA Champions League, though they are still in need of two more points from their remaining two games in order to finish 2nd or 3rd on the table.

Pellegrini and his troops would be satisfied with their performance last night and fettle they are in, going into two attractive fixtures against Swansea City (away) and Southampton (home) that will pull the curtains on the season.

On the downside, it is a shame that such a beautiful performance has arrived so late on in the season, when City, barring a place in the Champions League, do not have much to play for.

Manchester City Transfers: Five Midfielders The 2013/14 English Champions Should Target This Summer

Manuel Pellegrini has vowed to sign a crack player this summer

Manchester City have endured a forgettable 2014/15 campaign that has not seen them make any progress they were hoping for at the start of the season.   

City would have wanted to defend their 2013/14 Barclays Premier League title and progress beyond the R-16 in the UEFA Champions League, but neither of those ambitions have materialized and Manuel Pellegrini's position as manager of the Etihad outfit remains in the balance.    

Too many marquee players - except Joe Hart and Sergio Aguero - in that squad have failed to play to potential this season and Pellegrini's title-winning squad has looked a mediocre one, despite the additions of Eliaquim Mangala, Fernando Reges, Frank Lampard, Bacary Sagna and Willy Caballero, on paper and on the pitch.   

City were handicapped by the Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions placed on them by the UEFA, as a result of which they were allowed to spend a mere £49m on transfers this season, and Pellegrini has oft mentioned it as one of the reasons for his side's failures this term.    

However, having had an income of £346.5m following their league and cup double winning 2013/14 season, City hope to be relieved of the FFP restrictions that will allow them to spend big money, Txiki Begiristain willing, and bring fresh talent to the club ahead of next season.    

Of the marquee players who have under-performed this season, the likes of Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic are likely to be sold by the club this summer, in a bid to decrease the average age of the squad, which is 29 currently, and replace them with ebullient and slightly younger players.    

Though the trio of Nasri, Dzeko and Jovetic maybe replaced quite easily, it will be a monumental task to find a player who can fill the void that is to be left by Toure, who has been the leading light for City over the last 5 years.   

Add to that the departures of James Milner, who has not a signed a new deal offered to him by the club and Frank Lampard, who will be moving to New York City FC at the end of his loan deal, and the Citizens ideally would need five new players for various positions.

Paul Pogba, the Juventus and France midfielder, is the primary transfer target for the club who think that he would be an ideal replacement for Toure. But City are not the only club that is targeting the French international, who will command a transfer fee well in excess of £50m. 

Add to the colossal transfer fee, the decision of whether to move and where to move remains with the player, and there is no certainty that Pogba will opt for City ahead of the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), clubs that are also linked with the box-to-box midfielder, if they come for his signature.

But who will be the alternatives for Pogba, that City should really consider recruiting this summer? Pellegrini has proved his desire to sign a 'crack player', who will give the Citizens an identity they have lacked of late, but who is it going to be? Read on...

Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria is terrific in 1v1 situations

The Argentine has endured an unimpressive first season in England as a Manchester United player, though you cannot question Di Maria's pedigree as one of the world-class players in the modern game. 

Since his arrival from the Santiago Bernabeu for a whopping £59.7m, Di Maria has made 31 appearances for the Red Devils across the Premier League and FA Cup, scoring 4 goals and registering 10 assists so far.

His slump in form started only after November of last year, when he suffered hamstring and pelvic injuries in quick succession and returned to action only during this January. 

Yes, since his return, Di Maria has simply not been at it and his performance last weekend against West Bromwich Albion was obnoxious, to say the least.

Let us, however, not forget that he took the Premier League by storm soon after his arrival at Old Trafford, as he scored 3 goals and created 31 chances in his first 11 appearances for the club. 

Di Maria, going by his profile and exploits as a Los Blancos' player, is not a goal scoring midfielder, but what he will give Pellegrini is versatility: he can play on the left or right flank, as a genuine midfielder (No.6 or No.8), as a second striker, and play these roles to great effect when in form. 

I, for one, would love to see him at the Etihad and Pellegrini starting to play the 4-3-3 system, with Di Maria playing in one of the two advanced midfield positions that saw him register as many as 22 assists across all competitions in his final season at Real. 

It was while playing as a midfielder that he helped Carlo Ancelotti's men win the 'La Decima', as they came from a goal down against Atletico Madrid to lift the Champions League. 

The 27-year old also possesses this knack of being a good ball carrier, who can run 50-60 yards with the ball at his feet. 

City, if they want to compete against the big boys of Europe, need a player who can do that on a consistent basis and Di Maria's forte lies in his ability to break through opposing defenders who stand in his way. 

Therefore, recruiting Di Maria, who also might command a transfer fee of £50m or more, would mean that City bring in a player who has proven his mettle at the Champions League level and will give them that identity Pellegrini is craving for.

Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey scored an astonishing goal against Galatasaray on Matchday 6

The Welshman has enjoyed two highly impressive seasons back-to-back: he scored 16 goals and registered 9 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions during the 2013/14 season; in the ongoing season, Ramsey, in 34 appearances so far, has scored 9 goals and made 7 assists, despite missing 12 games. 

Ramsey, similar to Di Maria, has played at the Champions League level and made 41 appearances in the competition for Arsenal. 

He is only 24 and has plenty of football left in him, if City are looking for younger players who will deliver them success in Europe. 

The other advantage of recruiting Ramsey, lies in him being a homegrown player, an aspect that the Manchester club needs to consider ahead of their squad submissions for domestic and continental competitions next season. 

Ramsey plays with a lot of flair, has great passing vision and genuine goal scoring ability. In addition, he would come from a team that plays an attractive brand of football that Pellegrini, like Arsene Wenger, is a protagonist of.

On the downside, though, Ramsey is prone to long-term injuries that have seen him miss as many as 73 games since joining the Gunners in 2010.

Unlike Ross Barkley, a talented homegrown player who is estimated at a whopping £50m by Roberto Martinez and Everton, Ramsey could be brought to the Etihad for a viable £25m. 

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Sigurdsson has enjoyed a wonderful season at Swansea City

This might be an interesting choice among all other players in the list, but Sigurdsson is a very versatile footballer, who has played remarkably well for Swansea City since joining the Welsh club on a permanent deal at the beginning of this season.

In 31 appearances across all competitions for Swansea, Sigurdsson has scored 7 goals and registered 10 assists, which is the third-best in the Premier League this season, behind Cesc Fabregas' 17 for Chelsea and Di Maria's 10 for United in just 26 games compared to Sigurdsson's 30.

The Icelander also fulfills the homegrown player criteria, making him a viable choice for City. 

He is technically sound; has great accuracy in his free-kicks and will provide goals for City as a midfielder. He can also play in more than one position - as a No.10, midfielder and winger - and will suit City's style of play. 

He committed his near future to Swansea only last year and might not move again this summer, but like his old teammate Wilfried Bony, the allure of Champions League football might get him contemplating over a move to the exquisite Etihad. 

If City want to bring him to the club, Sigurdsson will be a pretty economical option, for a transfer fee of something like £15-20m.  

Javier Pastore

The fleet-footed Argentine is another player who has plenty of Champions League pedigree under his belt.

This season has been very good for Pastore who, in 45 appearances across all competitions for the Parisians, has scored 7 goals and made 13 assists, most of which have come in domestic competitions, though.

In the Champions League, Pastore has not racked up any major stats this season, though he had an impressive game for PSG in the second leg of their R-16 tie against Chelsea. 

Javier Pastore would be a good addition to City's engine room

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off early on in the game, Laurent Blanc made a tactical switch that saw Pastore shift from left-flank to midfield where, along with Marco Verratti, he pulled the strings effectively for the visitors, who twice came from behind to level the game and win the tie on away goals. 

Pastore is a player who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and, like Di Maria, can go past defenders on his own. 

Against the West Londoners back in March, the 25-year old completed 4 of his 8 attempted take-ons and created 1 goal-scoring chance. 

With City fans clamoring for a player who can produce better end-products than Jesus Navas has been able to during his two years at the club, I can't think of a better option than Pastore, whose movement on and off the ball, is impeccable, and thrives on dribbling past defenders.

Again, he can play in more than one position, giving Pellegrini tactical options during games.

If City do want to bring Pastore, who only has a year remaining on his current contract at Parc des Princes, to the club, they would have to spend something like £20m or more for his services.

Koke

Koke is a combative midfield player

Atletico Madrid's Koke has had a couple of excellent seasons at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, during which he has helped them win one La Liga title and become a force to reckon with on the Champions League stage.

In 45 appearances across all competitions for the reigning Spanish champions, Koke has scored 4 goals and registered 13 assists while playing in a variety of roles - winger, midfielder, No.10 - under Diego Simeone. 

He is just 23 years of age and already has plenty of experience at the top most level of the game. 

His work-rate compared to other players in this list, is very good and plays with his heart on his sleeve. 

Owing to his age and the stardom he has achieved in such a short space of time, City might have to splash a transfer fee in excess of £40m. He will, however, be worth the huge money.

Final Thought

Manchester City need to act quickly, and astutely, during the upcoming transfer window that will be crucial to their chances of competing for silverware next season.

Their current squad, as is already evident, is devoid of enough top-class players to become a strong European force. 

And, if the Citizens aspire to go further in the Champions League next season, they need to bring at least one of the aforementioned quintet, preferably Di Maria, to the Etihad. 

Barclays Premier League Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

Manchester City face an away clash on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, in Matchweek 35 of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season.

Mauricio Pochettino's side come into this pivotal fixture on the back of an entertaining 2-2 draw against the Argentine manager's old club, Southampton.

Sergio Aguero scored 4 goals to help his side win over Spurs earlier this season

Manuel Pellegrini's men, on the other hand, were involved in a topsy-turvy Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium against FA Cup finalists Aston Villa who pushed the reigning English champions all the way, but couldn't stop them from registering all three points.

The Sky Blues have yet to win a league game - in five attempts - in London this season, losing to West Ham United and Crystal Palace and drawing the other three fixtures against Arsenal, Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea.

Can the 2013/14 title winners, however, script an important win in the capital, that could go a long way in reinforcing their second place on the Premiership table? Read on...

Spurs

Spurs, apart from their 0-3 defeat to Liverpool early on in the season, have not lost at home to any of the current top eight sides on the league table and will be keen to hold onto that record after the final whistle on Sunday.

In the grand scheme of things, however, this season hasn't gone to plan for the North Londoners.

They sit in 6th place on the league table but, if they can avoid a major slump in form over these last four games, should make their way into next season's UEFA Europa League group stages on account of Chelsea winning the Capital One Cup and Arsenal, even if they win the FA Cup, being favorites to finish in one of the four UEFA Champions League places.

Spurs have played a good brand of football at times this season, most notably in their derby victories over the Blues and Gunners - who lost their games after scoring the first goal.

Harry Kane will be crucial to his side's chances of winning on Sunday

Harry Kane's magnificent goal scoring form since the beginning of November, has given his side an identity and they really have thrived on the Englishman's 20 league goals.

Someone like Christian Eriksen, having scored 10 league goals and created an impressive 72 chances in 34 appearances, has also been enjoying a very good second season in England, but has had little impact on his club's ambitions of fighting for a top four spot.

The likes of Nacer Chadli, Ryan Mason and Mousa Dembele play with a lot of flair and can cause problems for the opposition, if they are feeling good and it is their day.

It is by way of attacking oppositions and scoring goals, that Spurs have been able to remain in touch with the league's top four for a major part of this campaign.

Defensively, they have been rather poor this season, conceding close to 1.5 goals per game and relying on their attackers to score 2 or more goals per game to win football matches.

Hugo Lloris has been making 2.55 saves per game, which is the second-highest for a goalkeeper from a top eight side, during the season, and if not for the Frenchman, Pochettino's side may not even be in the top half.

That is why Sunday's visitors can breathe easy, as they can rely on their strongest suit - which is also attacking - to deliver on the day.

Spurs, as part of their game plan, will want to press City in defense and midfield, and test out the slow movers in Fernando Reges, Martin Demichelis and Aleksandar Kolarov.

When in fine fettle, Spurs can play at a really good tempo and be tough to play against. I think the hosts' style of play - high-pressing and possession based - will make for an exciting viewing come Sunday.

City

Sunday's visitors, with their victory over the Villains last Saturday, registered back-to-back victories in the league for the first time since February.

Such has been the devastating dip in their overall form, that they have had to relinquish their title to Jose Mourinho's side and fight for Champions League qualification, which, however, shouldn't be a problem from here on.

Pellegrini's side has had defensive problems of its own, and there really was no surprise over the way they conceded the two goals against Tim Sherwood's side last weekend; it really has been a way of life for the Manchester club this season.

While the rearguard has struggled and conceded 36 goals in 34 games, the attack hasn't exactly flourished, either.

Sergio Aguero, barring a surprising dip in form for a majority of the last two months, has been consistent in providing goals for his side, and will look to end this campaign as the league's leading goal scorer.

David Silva is the club's second leading goal scorer with 11 league goals, but the Spaniard hasn't registered a lot of assists (only 4) this season.

Yes, he has played the second most key passes (74), behind Eden Hazard's 79, in the league, but it has not been good enough for City, who have struggled to break down congested defenses in almost all their games.

Yaya Toure picked up a hamstring injury against Villa and is likely to miss the trip to White Hart Lane. And the Ivorian, contrary to popular belief midst the club's supporters, will be missed: Toure brings power, goals and serenity to City's midfield, though his lack of work-rate can be a disadvantage.

Though Toure and Silva - City's two most influential midfielders - haven't had their best seasons, the likes of Jesus Navas, who has made the most number of assists (8) for a City player in the league, and Pablo Zabaleta have been enjoying good outings recently.

The duo work well as a partnership that was key to their side's victories over Villa and Hammers.

Eliaquim Mangala has vowed to stop Kane from scoring against City, and the Frenchman will have his task cut out against a Spurs side loaded with pacey players.

It will once again be intriguing to see how Pellegrini sets his side up, although the Chilean doesn't really make major tactical changes, if his two seasons in England are anything to go by.

Wilfried Bony played a cameo role against Villa last weekend, but this Sunday maybe a bit too soon for him to start a game. However, if he has made good recovery from the ankle injury, I think he needs to start alongside Aguero.

Other than that shift in personnel, you don't expect many changes to the City side from the one that started against Villa last weekend; Fernandinho, obviously, will replace the injured Toure.

The Citizens, if they need to win this game, ought to compete with the tempo at which Spurs play. They cannot let the home side dictate play like they allowed Villa to, as it will be nothing less than what Pochettino and company would revel in.

If they can match Spurs for pace and speed of play, they should be strong favorites to win Sunday's game. The visitors will get chances to score goals and the home side, other than Kane and Danny Rose, if he plays, shouldn't pose major problems to City's backline.

Score Prediction:

Tottenham 1:2 City

Final Thought

Pellegrini has not lost to Pochettino in 11 previous meetings between the two

Both clubs' fans can anticipate an attractive football match that these two sides are capable of producing.

City will look to build on from their two previous league victories, but they have yet to win an away game across all competitions since beating Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium way back in February.

Spurs' defense will have its task cut out against Aguero and other City's attackers. Their own attack led by Kane, can match the visitors' but their result will depend on whether or not their backline can stay watertight for 90 minutes.

Manchester City: Five Talking Points From Saturday's Victory Over Aston Villa

Sergio Aguero bagged his 21st league goal of the season

Manchester City got out of jail against Aston Villa, who very nearly pulled off a well deserved draw for themselves, clawing their way back into the game after being 0-2 down and examining the outgoing Barclays Premier League champions' fortitude.

For the Citizens, Sergio Aguero, Aleksandar Kolarov and Fernandinho scored the three goals to ensure their side of the victory that helped them overtake both Arsenal and Manchester United into second-place on the league table.

Tom Cleverley and Carlos Sanchez scored the goals for the visitors, who found plenty of joy from set-pieces throughout the course of 90 minutes.

Manuel Pellegrini, in his post-match press conference, claimed it was his side's fighting spirit that saw them score the decisive third goal, four minutes after Sanchez had equalized for the visitors.

In retrospect: what did we learn from City's performance that, you could say, was not up to the standard of the champions?

City lacked energy and intensity

Aguero made the most of Brad Guzan's howler to put his side into the lead after just 3 minutes on the clock.

Villa failed to learn from Guzan's mistake and kept making unforced errors in possession that led to a couple of more chances for City, but there was a shift in momentum soon after.

The likes of Jack Grealish, Fabian Delph and Leandro Bacuna started seeing more of the ball, and City, with the likes of Yaya Toure, Fernando Reges, Frank Lampard and David Silva in their ranks, failed to cope with the pace at which their opponents played.

There was very little pressing from the home side after the early exchanges, and Villa were allowed time on the ball and oceans of space to maneuver into, which were largely down to the lack of energy from the City side loaded with veterans.

You could also say that Pellegrini's side deliberately sat deeper and probably sought to pick Villa off on the counterattack, but there was very little pressure on the ball when Tim Sherwood's side was in possession.

Jesus Navas and Pablo Zabaleta were the shining lights for City

The Spanish winger continued from where he left off against West Ham United, putting in another good performance that probably didn't get him the deserved praise.

Kieran Richardson, Aston Villa's left fullback, actually handled Navas pretty well, matching the 29-year old winger for speed and roughening him up with three tackles, though he was successful only on one occasion.

Navas, with his pace, gave City a long ball option, which Martin Demichelis and Toure made use of during the first half, especially.

But he also showed how good a ball carrier he can be - cutting inside from his right flank and carrying the ball to the opposite flank with minimum fuss.

Navas completed all four of his attempted take-ons, though he managed to complete only 2 of his 7 attempted crosses on the day.

Zabaleta was another City player who had a very good outing against Villa. The Argentine fullback was full of energy and tenacity, winning one of his three attempted tackles and all of his aerial duels (2) on the day.

Zabaleta also made 5 blocks near City's 18-yard box, as he was alert to every possible danger caused by Villa.

Fernando was one of the many weak-links in City's starting lineup on Saturday

With Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the City chairman, watching on from the stands, a handful of City players knew they were going to be judged and had to put a real shift in.

Fernando, having not made an enviable start to his City career, had another one of his poor games in his first season at the Etihad Stadium.

He slipped often, as did many of his teammates, and failed to take up good positions ahead of the backline. His lack of pace also meant that he was chasing shadows when the likes of Grealish, who completed 7 of his 8 attempted take-ons, deceived him with their movement and speed across the turf.

Kolarov had a mixed performance on his second consecutive start for the reigning English champions. He failed to play with an understanding with his teammates when City had the ball, and he was not very good in a defensive sense either.

The Serbian committed a couple of fouls and failed to win any of his 4 attempted tackles. He, however, was involved in 2 of City's 3 goals, scoring a brilliant free-kick to double his side's advantage and then following it up with a very good assist for Fernandinho's goal that made sure of the victory.

Toure was another one of those players who failed to impress in the presence of the club chairman, even though he was on the pitch only for 45 minutes.

The imperious Ivorian attempted only 17 passes during his vigil, but failed to make any meaningful contribution to City's attacks.

Collectively, Saturday's performance summed up City's season so far, but it also brought to light the massive changes needed to the squad, if Pellegrini's side is to get back in the title hunt next season.

Fernandinho - first, the game changer and then the savior 

The Brazilian's introduction in the second half saw City play with a lot more vitality and incision, as the midfielder played some delightful passes when in possession and worked hard for the welfare of his side, as well.

Fernandinho's eye for a pass is often underestimated, as he usually does the donkey work and always plays in the shadows of the likes of Toure, Silva and Samir Nasri, to name a few.

However, on Saturday, it was the 29-year old midfielder who stood out amongst all other midfielders for City on the day.

Fernandinho's 89th minute winner gave City all three points against Villa

He completed 90% of his attempted passes, created one goal scoring chance, scored a gem of a goal under pressure and was by no means bad defensively (winning 50% tackles and aerial duels).

Hopefully, with that performance, he has sealed his place in City's starting XI for the remaining games of the season.

Defensively, City were not good enough

Not only did Aston Villa enjoy as much as 55% ball possession, but also created an impressive 10 chances during their narrow 2-3 defeat to City on Saturday.

Joe Hart had to make 4 saves during the 90 minutes, and the England No.1 nearly cost City two points by failing to punch the ball away from the danger area while coming from his line to deal with the crosses.

I felt that City dealt with Christian Benteke pretty well, winning a good portion of their aerial duels against the buccaneering Belgian, who, however, created his side's first goal.

Regardless of the systems - 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 - City have lined up in this season, there has always been that worry about the backline when the Blues' opponents have had possession, and the scenario wasn't any different against the Villains on Saturday.

Final Thought

Pellegrini, and City, would be relieved that they managed to secure all three points despite producing a sub-standard performance.

There is a major gulf between City of last season and this season, and it will be interesting to see how the hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium addresses the issues concerning the club.

Villa, though, performed very well and, personally, it wasn't surprising that this season's FA Cup finalists took the game to the hosts and very nearly reaped full rewards.