Man City are at risk of losing advantage over Manchester United, Liverpool FC and Arsenal
When you've got Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland and all the rest of Manchester City's incredible talent you're going to be favourites to win the Premier League. That's especially the case coming off the back of a historic treble.
But, for the moment at least, City are already a weaker team than the one that won the Champions League in Istanbul while everyone else is getting stronger. We won't know how Guardiola's side copes without influential captain Ilkay Gundogan until the season is underway but the Blues are undoubtedly worse off without him, right now.
Many legends have waved goodbye in recent years but unlike Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho or David Silva, Gundogan is not on the decline but instead playing the best football of his career. He was a crucial part of the treble-winning team and replacing him won't be easy.
Mateo Kovacic has come in to replenish the midfield numbers and while a very capable player in the same dynamic mould with plenty of trophies to his name, he isn't as good as Gundogan or as engrained in Guardiola's system. Additionally, Riyad Mahrez appears to be edging towards Saudi Arabia while the futures of Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo all remain uncertain.
How City players have prepared for pre-season return
City were unable to bring in Jude Bellingham or Declan Rice to upgrade and rejuvenate the midfield and it's gone quiet elsewhere on the transfer front. RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol is the top target but there doesn't appear to have been much progress in a couple of weeks.
City remain an incredible side with incredible players but while their squad has got weaker, their biggest rivals in the league have got stronger. There is still a significant gap
Read on manchestereveningnews.co.uk
