Manchester City for the Top Four: Here's the Proof

The simplest way of describing the challenge that faces Manchester City in the coming season is in the 22 point gap between the 10th place finish and the desired fourth place target.

Twenty-two points are, of course, seven victories and a draw more than was achieved, but can it be done?

Here is a realistic run down of the teams City will have to beat. Last years points total was 50.

For simplicity's sake I have swapped each relegated team out against a promoted team.

Oh, and by the way, this is a prediction based on my opinion so although it's not fact, you can always disagree.

Team                                                    

Manchester United            4

Liverpool                         3

Chelsea                          3

Arsenal                           3

Everton                          4

Aston Villa                      4

Fulham                          4

Tottenham H.                  4

West Ham U.                   4

Wigan A.                        6

Stoke C.                         6

Bolton W.                        6

Portsmouth                      4

Blackburn R.                     4

Sunderland                       6

Hull City                           6

Burnley (Newcastle)           6

Wolves (Middlesbrough)       6

Birmingham (WBA)              6

Total                              89 points

The simple truth is City now have the capacity to beat teams that they lost to last season and improve from a draw to a victory quite often.

If any of the results I have suggested are beyond the new City squad there is also a helluva lot of wiggle room in order to achieve the desired points.