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Pep Guardiola and his men continue to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title this season and on the other hand, Liverpool are desperately trying to win the title. Their wait for the title has increased for more than two decades now, with this season representing a great chance with a four-point lead and 17 more games to play.
Manchester City still holds the key to this title despite being 4 points adrift from the top position. Here are the reasons why Manchester City could still win the championship for the second consecutive season.
3. Good mixture of Juniors and Seniors
A right combination of young talent and experienced seniors always helps the team and that's how the Manchester City squad is built. With speedsters in the team including Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus they also possess quality midfielders like Riyad Mahrez, Kevin de Bryune and David Silva who has the ability to create chances out of nowhere.
Not to forget, their defence is strong as well with Benjamin Mendy, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Kyle Walker standing firm before their goalkeeper Ederson giving minimal chances for the opposition.
To freshen things up, striker Sergio Aguero, midfielder Bernardo Silva and defender Vincent Kompany are always up for the challenge. With such quality and depth in the team, Manchester City are the team to beat this season.
2. Team Combination
Their squad has not changed much since last season. The only major addition to the team is the arrival of Mahrez from Leicester City during the offseason. Mahrez has fit in perfectly as a midfielder in the team and has looked pretty solid.
Everyone understands their role in the team and abides by the instructions of their manager which makes it easy for Guardiola to try and inflict various combinations of players and formations.
They haven't been much active in the transfer market for the same reason as their manager does not see any potential replacements for any player in the squad. Not only their playing 11 is strong but their bench strength also possesses quality players. In fact, all the players can make it into the starting lineup, creating a happy headache for their manager while he decides the matchday team.
1. Guardiola Effect
The mastermind of the team is always spot on with the right combination of the playing 11 and the blend of talent they search from the transfer market.
Guardiola's team are aiming to win all four competitions this season - UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and the EFL Cup and with such pack schedule ahead for the men in blue, Guardiola manages the entire team giving a chance to every player he could possibly give which makes him one of the best and also helps his top players well deserved rest for the big matches.
With most of the teams active in the market trying to find the best replacement for a manager, Manchester City have no second thoughts about replacing Guardiola. His team is placed second 4 points away from Liverpool courtesy of the two defeats in their last five games but showed their character after beating the leaders at the Etihad.
Only time will tell if Manchester City defends their title or Liverpool mark their first league title in over two decades.
