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SteemSports Writer: @the23chronicles

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SteemSports General Manager: @theprophet0

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It is AUGUST again. This means the English Premier League is about to kick-off again. Get ready for a season long ride of quality football. A new season is another chance for teams to aim for glory, forgetting how glorious or disappointing the previous season might have been.

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We are going to be taking a look at the top teams of the English Premier League ahead of the new season. For now, we are starting with the Manchester Teams.

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Manchester City

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When Pep Guardiola agreed to take charge of Manchester City in the January of 2106, little did he know it was not going to be an easy ride. He made a number of additions to his squad then, but it was not enough as he could not win a trophy in his first season, despite glimpses of promise. Now, he will be hoping that a summer of significant spending on new players can be enough to secure his first silverware. With several expensive new signings (with more likely to follow), expectations have skyrocketed ahead of the new season as Pep prepares for the new season.

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Transfers

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When Pep Guardiola released 5 first team players on the opening day of the transfer market, we only knew it was going to be a busy summer for him. The likes of Willy Caballero, Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta all saw their contracts with the club terminated, with Nolito and Kolarov also sold later. Kelechi Iheanacho too was sold to Leicester. After that, Man City has spent a whooping £158.5m on defenders and a keeper. They brought in Kyle Walker, Danilo, Benjamin Mendy and Ederson to beef up their defense. They also added Bernado Silva from Monaco to their already prolific attack. Only time will tell if they will still add one or two more players.

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Squad

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Man City boasts of one of the best squads in England. A totally star studded team of youngsters and experienced veterans. Most of the jersey numbers of the players remain intact. New additions Kyle Walker, Danilo, Benjamin Mendy and Ederson have been given the jersey numbers 2, 3, 22 and 31 respectively. Only time will tell who the favoured striker will be: Gabriel Jesus or Aguero. Or maybe Pep has a plan to use both of them.

Fixtures (First 6)

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Man City will start the new season away to new comers Huddersfield on the 12th of August. After that, they will face Everton at home. Then it’s Bournemouth (A), Liverpool (H), Watford (A), and Crystal Palace (H) before facing off with defending champions Chelsea away on the 23rd of September. Manchester City will also be competing in the Champions League this season. Tickets for these games are available on the club’s website.

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Manchester United

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Jose Mourinho won three titles his first season in charge of Manchester United, but he did not win the premier league. So he will be aiming to take the Red Devils back into Premier League contention in his second season in charge at Old Trafford. United finished sixth in the league last season but had more successes in knockout competitions, winning the EFL Cup and the Europa League. The latter which allowed them to secure a place in the Champions League this coming season.

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Transfers

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Mourinho has spent big in an attempt to compete on multiple fronts, with the £75 million signing of Romelu Lukaku the most significant deal done. Along with Lukaku, he also signed defender Victor Lindelof and midfielder Nemanja Matic from EPL rivals Chelsea. Matic was bought to give record signing, Paul Pogba, a chance to play more attacking football.

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It was announced that veteran striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has been released from the team, mainly due to his injury concerns. Also, United legend, Wayne Rooney, left the club to join his boyhood club, Everton. Adnan Januzaj also left to Real Sociedad after a place in the starting 11 was not presented to him.

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Squad

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United were able to hold on to star goalkeeper, David de Gea. The team remains almost as it was last season, except the new additions. Romelu Lukaku will be picking up the number 9 jersey from Ibrahimovic, Victor Lindelof will wear the number 2 jersey while Matic will be retaining his number 31 jersey from his old club. It was announced that Michael Carrick will be the new captain for the new season.

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Fixtures (First 6)

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Manchester United have a relatively easy start to the season. They open the season at home to West Ham on the 13th of August. After that, they face Swansea (A), Leicester City (H), Stoke City (A), Everton (H) and Southampton (A). Their first real challenge comes on the 14th of October when they face Liverpool.

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Manchester United will also be returning to the Champions League after a one season absence. Tickets for these games are available on the club’s website with prices ranging from £31 to £58.

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