Our rivals next season

[SK]

So, most of the people seem to think this year was our best chance of clinching no. 19, and our rivals will only get better next year. but will they really?

Scum

Possible outs: Ronaldo, Tevez, and there was a metion of Vidić leaving for barca some time ago.

Some of their (key) players Giggs, Scholes, VDS, Neville, Ferdinand are ageing, and they need to find replacements sooner rather than later.

Who will they buy?

Chelsea

Outs: Drogba, Ivanović, anyone else?

and they will have a new manager next season, meaning it will take time for the players to settle to the new way of training, new formation, new players etc.

Arsenal

Outs: Adebayor, van Persie

They have so much work to do with their team, it will take some time before they can really challenge for the title again. they look shot in a number of positions from goalkeeper to the strikers and i think it's too much to work out in one season, and they will be fighting for 4th with the likes of Villa and Spurs if they don't buy the right player this summer

[Craig_H]

What solid evidence is there that Drogba, RvP, Vidic, Ronaldo etc are leaving their clubs?

[SK]

What solid evidence is there that Drogba, RvP, Vidic, Ronaldo etc are leaving their clubs?

none whatsoever it's just food for thought mate, i mean, there's been so much talk of them leaving, so i put them there

[Craig_H]

It's quite possible, but it's also very rare that so many top players move clubs in one summer.

[TheElephantMan]

Will Man City be competing for the Premiership next season?

[SK]

well Ronaldo, Drogba and Adebayor have all been saying for ages they want to leave, van Persie's contract negotiations have apparently stalled a bit, and there was talk of others leaving as well.

i just wanted to point out, our rivals will probably be weakend as well next season, and it's hard to replace world class players

[-V-]

Man City are rubbish and still will be rubbish next season.

Chelsea won't be a serious threat either. Im convinced that they will sell Drogba but unless they bring in another expensive striker and a couple of expensive wingers then i can't see them competing.

Arsenal- All down to the defence, they need to bring in atleast 2 centre-halfs. Replace Adebayor and add a def centre mid. Doubt they will have the money to do it this summer

Its between us and the scum

[TheElephantMan]

Man City are rubbish and still will be rubbish next season.

It depends who their manager is and how much money they spend on players over the summer. It is possible to buy the league. I'm not saying they will win the Premiership, but it's possible they will either replace Arsenal in the "big four" or expand that group of big clubs to five.

[-V-]

It depends who their manager is and how much money they spend on players over the summer. It is possible to buy the league. I'm not saying they will win the Premiership, but it's possible they will either replace Arsenal in the "big four" or expand that group of big clubs to five.

Their manager will still be Mark Hughes. Even if they were to buy the title it will take them atleast 2 more years to get a good enough squad because the current lot are miles off being ready

[SK]

It depends who their manager is and how much money they spend on players over the summer. It is possible to buy the league. I'm not saying they will win the Premiership, but it's possible they will either replace Arsenal in the "big four" or expand that group of big clubs to five.

its very hard winning something with a new manager, lots of new player, and the burden of expectation they will have this year

[TheElephantMan]

Their manager will still be Mark Hughes. Even if they were to buy the title it will take them atleast 2 more years to get a good enough squad because the current lot are miles off being ready

I'd be surprised if Mark Hughes is still managing them next season. City are going to spend big this summer and I reckon their owners will want a big name manager to attract quality players to the club.

[-V-]

I'd be surprised if Mark Hughes is still managing them next season. City are going to spend big this summer and I reckon their owners will want a big name manager to attract quality players to the club.

He said yesterday that the owners have promised him that he will be in charge next season so therefore can assume that he is already in the process of targeting players for this summer.

I just think they are a long way off and will take atleast 2 years and ALOT of money to change

[TheElephantMan]

He said yesterday that the owners have promised him that he will be in charge next season

I didn't see/hear that - I bet you a quid he's not though.

[-V-]

I didn't see/hear that - I bet you a quid he's not though.

The only coach I can think of thats available and they could possibly get is Rijkaard but i doubt it as Hughes seemed pretty sure of himself. Also if Anchelotti goes to Chelsea as expected then Rijkaard maybe joining Milan anyway

[JudgeRed]

The only coach I can think of thats available and they could possibly get is Rijkaard but i doubt it as Hughes seemed pretty sure of himself. Also if Anchelotti goes to Chelsea as expected then Rijkaard maybe joining Milan anyway

Read in the press today that Van Basten may be taking over at Milan.