The Citizens begin their season with a trip to Newcastle United looking to claim their third league title in four seasons.
The last time Manchester City tried to defend a Premier League title, they finished a distant second to rivals Manchester United. Thanks to their second title in three seasons, they'll get another chance to become the third club to claim back-to-back championships in the Premier League era. In their way on opening day is Newcastle United, a team that
Key Player: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
We all know how important Yaya Touré is to City (see below), but a case can be made that striker Sergio Agüero is right up there as well in terms of importance. When Agüero was on the pitch, the City attack was better. The problem is, repeated muscle related injuries have caused the Argentine to bounce in and out of the lineup. Considering the impact he's been able to make while missing stretches of games, imagine what he could do if he can stay on the pitch.
Key Matchup: Yaya Touré vs. The Newcastle midfield
Despite all the talent that City have assembled, there's little doubt that Yaya Touré is the engine that truly makes them go. If you go back and watch City matches in which Touré plays well versus games he struggles, or is not available, it's pretty clear that City are a different team. Touré appears to have gotten past the odd distractions from the off-season, including birthday cake gate, and has a big new contract. Now he'll get to face a Newcastle midfield without Cheik Tiote that should have the Ivory Coast star smiling in anticipation. If the Magpies can't find a way to limit Touré, it could get ugly.
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Siam de Jong (calf), Davide Santon (knee), Pappiss Cisse (knee), Ryan Taylor (knee), Cheik Tiote (hamstring).
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Álvaro Negredo (foot), Eliaquim Mangala (fitness).
Newcastle's biggest summer signing was striker Siam de Jong from Ajax, but he'll have to wait another week before making his debut as a calf injury will keep him sidelined. Cheik Tiote's hamstring was initially thought to be a minor issue, but the midfielder was ruled out late in the week, handing Alan Pardew yet another injury blow.
Manuel Pellegrini's only major injury issue is striker Álvaro Negredo, who's expected to be out until September with a foot injury. Given how Negredo struggled last season in the Premier League, some might say it's not a huge loss.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 4 p.m. local, 11 a.m. ET
Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle, England
TV: NBCSN, Telemundo (U.S.), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), TSN (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)