Manchester City have gone from strength to strength in Europe since the Abu Dhabi United Group completed their takeover of the club back in 2008. Last season, Manuel Pellegrini led the Blues to the Champions League semi-final before falling short in a tight-knit double header with Real Madrid, but now, the Premier League side may be ready to challenge the likes of Real, Barcelona and Bayern Munich for Champions League glory on a yearly basis.
With Pep Guardiola at the helm, anything is possible and City could be on the verge of something very special indeed at the Etihad Stadium.
The Blues’ fans were shown a glimpse of the future as City won ten on the spin at the beginning of the campaign but they have relinquished their advantage at the top of the Premier League table to Liverpool since then – but it could still be wise to consider backing Guardiola’s side as they look to get their hands back on the English title.
Sergio Aguero has been in fine form as of late and the Argentina forward will be crucial to their chances of glory; both domestically and in Europe.
While Guardiola has criticised the City front man at times, he remains one of the very best strikers in world football and the Blues will need him to be at his brilliant best if they are to secure silverware this season. Aguero has now netted 14 times in his last 15 appearances for City and he already has three goals in the Champions League group stages.
In their most recent encounter, City produced a sensational performance to earn a 3-1 victory over Guardiola’s former employers Barcelona – a result that should help the Blues to cruise through to the last-16 stage. In fact, the Premier League side may even win the group; an achievement that could guarantee a knockout clash with a ‘weaker’ club if the draw is kind to Guardiola’s side.
Either way, City will be in the latter stages of the Champions League once again – and that is the main thing, but if the Blues are serious about their European ambitions, they will need Sergio Aguero to be on top form.
How Sergio Aguero scored his 150 goals for Manchester City. [Mail] pic.twitter.com/aLUpWYjDAd
— City Watch (@City_Watch) November 7, 2016
As of November 7th, 888Sport are offering 10/1 on City to win the Champions League and plenty of punters will be backing Guardiola’s men after their impressive victory over Barcelona. With favourable fixtures coming up in the Premier League, the City boss may be able to rest a few key men for their European clashes – and this could benefit the Blues in the business end of the campaign.
City won’t have it all their own way but if anyone can lead them to a first Champions League title, it is Pep Guardiola. The Blues are challenging on multiple fronts but there’s absolutely no reason why City cannot go all the way if they regain the form shown at the beginning of the season.
