5 Ways Manchester City Can Ignite Their Season

Manchester City’s form this season has been somewhat concerning. Just six wins in their 14 matches in all competitions has left them struggling to get their season going, and they face two crucial matches this week: at home to Manchester United in the Premier League before welcoming CSKA Moscow to the Etihad in the Champions League on Wednesday.

There’s pressure on Manuel Pellegrini from the press and, perhaps for the first time, some of the fans, but inside the club he’s highly-regarded and won’t have any demands placed on him.

But how can City’s season ignite? Here are five ways they can kick-start their form. Feel free to suggest more in the comments below.

1. Begin to Kill Sides off

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City's wonderful Premier League title win last season was built on a run of form over that saw them destroy teams. The 7-0 against Norwich, the 6-3 destruction of Arsenal and the 6-0 thrashing of Tottenham, to name just a few.

Those results were built on a ruthlessness, a desire to kill teams off and score as many as possible. City this season simply haven't had that in them.

A goal up against Arsenal ended in a 2-2. A goal up against Roma and they finished with just a point. And then the debacle in Moscow, where they found themselves 2-0 up and cruising at half-time, only to end the match with a point and with their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.

City must return to the side that continued to press for more goals, even when ahead. They're capable of outscoring any side.

2. They Need to Remember Just How Good They Are

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There's been a definite self-belief issue in recent weeks. City, it seems, have forgotten just how much quality they possess.

One look at their squad list and it's difficult not to think they have arguably the best group of players in the Premier League and one of the best in Europe. There's depth and quality in every department, yet lethargy and doubt appears to be running through the side.

Sergio Aguero is probably the finest No. 9 in world football. David Silva is the most creative player in the league. Vincent Kompany a defender every team covets. And Yaya Toure a unique midfielder capable of destroying teams singlehandedly.

They need to remember how good they are begin to get back the swagger that defined their best form last season.

3. Show Tactical Flexibility

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Pellegrini often shows wonderful tactical flexibility during matches, such as his substitutions that won City the game in Hull earlier on the season, but his starting system has been rather rigid. A shift in that policy would be welcome in certain games.

Take the Roma draw as an example. City, once again, went with two up front, leaving a central midfield pairing of Toure and Fernandinho, who were outnumbered. Miralem Pjanic was Roma's spare man, left to pick up loose balls and dictate play with his passing ability.

Pellegrini's dogmatic insistence that a two-man forward line is best for his side needs to be softened in certain games.

4. Get Toure Back to His Best

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Key to City winning two trophies last season was Toure, a midfielder capable of winning games with his dazzling array of qualities.

He scored 20 league goals from central midfield—only Frank Lampard can claim to have done the same in the Premier League era—and he generally dictated play in a new, free role with licence to attack whenever necessary.

He has unbelievable strength and can tackle. He can run at pace with the ball and leave defenders trailing in his wake. And he can shoot from distance and score wonderful goals. In fact, he's the complete midfielder and envy of the football world when on form.

This season, though, has been a drastically different story, one of ineffective performances and lacklustre displays.

If City's form is to improve, Toure's has to as well.

5. Beat Their Rivals

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The best way to improve the feeling amongst your own supporters—and everyone connected to your club—is to beat your biggest rivals, and City have that opportunity on Sunday.

Manchester United may have spent big this summer, and by adding Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao to their ranks, they now have the firepower they lacked last season under David Moyes, but they are somewhat unbalanced with a nervy defence City are more than capable of troubling.

Three points in this one and the recent struggles will be forgotten.