Welcome to the final part of Bitter and Blue’s End of Season Awards!
And it officially is the end of the season now, after the Blues crashed out in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup to Al-Hilal of all teams, losing 4-3 after extra time.
But there are reasons for positivity next season. Phil Foden had an excellent tournament, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders looks like smart acquisitions and the fast, free flowing football has returned.
We asked our team for a “hot take” ahead of next season; basically, what’s your opinion about next season that not every Blue might share.
Here are our answers:
Saul
One prediction for the season: Manchester City win the league by at least 9 points. I foresee a fully functional Pep team with dynamic and effective players. Haaland should roll with 45+ goals all comps as should the new player who fit like gloves. City win the league.
Manchester City FC v Al-Hilal: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Photo by Elsa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Will
A few names are being thrown around concerning City and transfers, but there’s nothing at all concrete.
So my take is that City don’t sign another player this window. We’ll see a few depart, but no-one will join, and like Saul I think there’s a good chance City will win the league this season.
Manchester City FC v Al-Hilal: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Pete
I think next season we will see the return of the blues after that blip. I don’t see that happening again and City have strengthened so much that not many teams will beat them.
I’m not going to predict silverware as that’s the kiss of death, but next season will be much better than the last.
Juventus FC v Manchester City FC: Group G - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images