Can Man City do a Chelsea next season?

WITH Gareth Barry joining Robinho in the Eastlands and possibly Carlos Tevez on the way, Manchester City are starting to look the way of Chelsea at the start of the Roman Revolution just a few seasons back.

We all knew how that turned out didn’t we? Chelsea won the Premiership title for two seasons in a row under Jose Mourinho, with stars such as Arjen Robben, Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko (still considered a star at the time of signing at least).

The Citizens are attempting to flood their dressing room with the same embarrassment of riches in footballing talent this transfer season, although Mark Hughes is definitely no Mourinho, based on last season’s results.

Furthermore, the Blues were nearly there (i.e. already in the Big Four) when Claudio Ranieri in charge, Abramovich’s money and Mourinho’s managerial nous arguably proved to be the final boost needed for the London club to clinch their first Premiership title in 50 years.

City, however, do not have the same foundation to start with, finishing 10th in the league this season, even with additions such as Robinho and the return of Shaun Wright-Phillips.

But can City do one better than Chelsea and jump from mid-table mediocrity to the Big Four next season, with all the money available for big-money players and maybe even a new high-profile manager?

Drogba, Anelka or…

Will they continue to lead Chelsea’s forward line? (Picture: chickendinner.co.uk)

FIRST there was the debate on whether Nicolas Anelka can play upfront with Didier Drogba.

Since Guus Hiddink has taken over at Stamford Bridge, he seems to favour the Ivorian as the sole striker, bringing on Anelka in the second half when the chips are down or as a replacement for the burly Chelsea star.

Q&A with Letter of the Week winner Er Chian Kong

When did you start supporting Liverpool and why? 

I started supporting Liverpool in August 1994. Back then, there were limited telecast of the English Premier League and I happen to catch the highlights of the Liverpool vs Arsenal in which Robbie Fowler scored a hat trick in 4 minutes.

I was mesmerised by the simplicity of Liverpool’s passing, in which they dominated possession and the players seemed so calm under pressure. In fact, playing their way out of trouble seemed to be Liverpool trademark in those days.

I then began to read up more about Liverpool whenever I could (there was no internet back then) and since then there’s no turning back!

How would you spend the Kaka money?

KAKA’S move to Manchester City looks increasingly likely, with the Brazilian playmaker’s emotional gestures after Milan’s 1-0 win over Fiorentina on Saturday.

That, club president Silvo Berlusconi saying: “There is a credit crunch on. It makes sense to sell Kaka.

“We will never get another offer like this.”

Should the deal go through, the Rossoneri will have between £103m and £108m to clear part of the club’s debts and to strengthen the aging squad, which is in dire need for renewal.

THE POSTMAN LIM SAY HENG says: As much as the Milan fans are unwilling to see their beloved player go, Kaka’s sale could ironically turn the club’s fortunes around.

Look at Milan’s backline – long-serving stalwart Paolo Maldini is already 40, Alessandro Nesta is 32, Giuseppe Favalli, 37. The youngest regulars in the back four are Marek Jankulovski and Gianluca Zambrotta who, both at 31, are not exactly spring chickens either.