Man City faces tumultuous season in bid to retain status as king of EPL

Manchester Citys reign of dominance in the English Premier League is like nothing previously seen in the 136year history of Englands top divisionThe Abu Dhabiowned club is hunting a recordextending fifth straight title under Pep Guardiola and his squad of superstars when the EPL 202425 season starts on FridayThe world might be about to discover if it comes with a catchSo much is hanging over City heading into what promises to be a tumultuous EPL 202425 for the serial champions whatever happens on the fieldCan City hold off Arsenal for a third season in a row and perhaps a Liverpool team under a new coach in its postJurgen Klopp eraWill this be the final year in charge for Guardiola The generational coachs latest contract expires at the end of the season and he is wavering about whether to sign a new oneIs this also the last year for Kevin De Bruyne the playmaker who has bestridden the Premier League for nearly a decadePerhaps the big question though is this Will City be punished after being hit with 115 charges for allegedly breaking the Premier Leagues financial rules in what could be one of the biggest potential scandals in English soccerThe hearing longawaited by rival teams and soccer fans alike will reportedly take place in late autumn nearly two years after the welter of charges landed at the door of the Etihad Stadium If found guilty penalties for City could include a deduction of points or even expulsion from the Premier LeagueCity denies wrongdoing and it is a sensitive complex case not least because of the political implications it could have regarding relations between Britain and the UAEAlso ReadBruno set to be Man Utdrsquos highest paid player ReportAway from it City has just kept on winning with its fourth successive title coming in May to surpass the threeinarows by Huddersfield in the 1920s Arsenal in the 1930s Liverpool in the 1980s and Manchester United twice in Alex Fergusons long tenureHow long this streak continues depends plenty on Guardiola who is heading into his ninth season in charge and said over the summer he doesnt rule out extending his contractWhen we arrive at the competition my energy rises again he said Im fully excited for this season because Im seeing things that I like Its a new challenge to break our own records now well see the ambition of ourselvesGuardiolas presence will always give City the edge over its rivals even if Arsenal looks in prime shape to end its wait for a league title stretching back to 2004 The Gunners have been Citys biggest threat the past two years the title race went to the final day last season and should be again this time round in Mikel Artetas fifth season in chargeWe have to continue to do all the right things that we are doing and just make those small margins that are going to be able to win the tournaments Arteta saidThen theres Liverpool embarking on a new era under Arne Slot the successor to Klopp That brings an element of the unknown to the Reds and likely a new playing style too with a highenergy approach set to make way for one which is more possessionbased