Premier League 2022-23 preview No 13: Manchester City

Guardian writers’ predicted position 1st (NB: this is not necessarily Will Unwin’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)

Last season’s position 1st

Odds to win the league (via Oddschecker) 13-18

Winning the Champions League is the focus for City, although anything less than top spot domestically will be a disappointment for a team aiming to set higher standards each season.

Pep Guardiola has shaken things up a bit and acquired something akin to a traditional No 9 in the form of Erling Haaland. He is the man to make the difference in those tight European matches and gives City an option they have lacked since Sergio Agüero was at his best. Winning trophies is what City do nowadays and doing it in style is the only way.

Despite the comings and goings, Kevin De Bruyne will still be the focal point of everything in the team and his performances will be critical to City’s chances in all four competitions. The Belgian dragged City to the Premier League title last season and will be hoping for a little more support from his teammates this time around.

Liverpool’s evolution and improvement will keep City on their toes and will ensure there is, at the very least, a two-horse race for the title. City embrace the challenge and there is never any doubting they will rest on laurels, they will be hoping to do better than last season and have the tools to do so. When you are used to dominating, letting up is not an option and the additions of a few new faces should re-energise a team at the top of their sport.

There is not much new to say about Guardiola. He will demand perfection and anything less will leave him furious. A backroom staff shake-up has been required after the departure of assistant Juanma Lillo to Qatari club