10 Things That Must Happen for City to Win the Premiership

Manchester City currently sit atop the Barclay's Premier League and show no signs of slowing down.

Many are postulating that City could win the title this season and right now it's difficult to argue that's not a genuine possibility.

The season is a marathon, not a sprint though, and plenty of things will have to fall in place for the Citizens to grasp the trophy.

Here are 10 things that simply must happen if Manchester City have any hope of being crowned champions next May.

Enjoy the slideshow!

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool Continue Indifferently

This one isn't in the Citizen's control, but opposition form never is.

Arsenal have improved dramatically lately but are still feeling hindered by their slow start. Liverpool continue to disappoint on occasion despite playing very well for the most part.

Chelsea are clearly in a transitional season as a young manager comes in and tries to get a grip on an old team full of ego's.

This leaves Manchester City with one main rival for top spot ad what a rival it is; neighbours Manchester United. A tough rival but a diminished pool of contenders nonetheless.

NB* I wouldn't write Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool off just yet, but if current form is to continue, they won't be in with a shout come May.

Sell Carlos Tevez, Be Rid of the Distraction

I am quite simply fed up of hearing about, reading about and writing about Carlos Tevez. So is almost everyone else, so i'll keep it short and to the point;

Carlos Tevez needs to be sold and City must free themselves of this dead weight around their necks, shedding the distraction he causes them.

Stay Clear of Serious Injuries

A bit of an obvious one, but the reason it's obvious is because it's so true.

Injuries can destroy teams and severely affect their performances and final standings.

There are plenty of examples that spring to mind, such as a Robin van Persie-less Arsenal, Martin Laursen-less Aston Villa or Michael Essien-less Chelsea.

Manchester City have an absolutely massive squad but it doesn't mean they can cope with a long-term injury to one or two key players.

Continue to Rotate That Squad

Roberto Mancini has been rotating his squad to great effect so far this season. Nothing illustrates this better than having both David Silva and Edin Dzeko on the bench for the Newcastle game.

Manchester City will be fighting on four fronts this season, something that can be very draining for squads that are improperly equipped.

So far, all positions on the field are hotly contested as Aleksander Kolarov, Pablo Zabaleta, Samir Nasri and Adam Johnson continue to fight fervently for their spot in the side.

Survive the African Cup of Nations

In January, the Toure brothers (Kolo and Yaya) will jet off to the African Cup of Nations.

This will leave Manchester City down a centre-back (although not a first choice one) and down a midfielder (one of their best).

Yaya Toure is an outstanding presence in the City midfield and he is someone who will be sorely missed. The Citizen's game plan will change with him out of the side but can anyone else meet the standards he sets?

Continue to Score a Bucket Load of Goals

When you score as many as Manchester City do, you've won half the battle.

Teams are currently petrified of making the journey to the Etihad Stadium and are also very wary of the Blues visiting their patch.

City's attacking forces are simply unstoppable at the moment and Roberto Mancini will need them to continue their rich vein of form if they are to clinch the 

Kompany Must Continue in His Captain Fantastic Role

For all the lavish spending Manchester City have done, Vincent Kompany remains one of the best purchases a Premier League club has ever made.

An estimated £6 million arrival from Hamburg SV under Mark Hughes, the Belgian monster has been a mainstay in the City defence and has been rewarded this season with the Captain's armband.

He has stood up to the challenge and responsibilities of being a leader of men well so far and Roberto Mancini will hope he can continue his fine form.

Maintain Home Dominance

Will Manchester City lose a league game at home this season?

Will they even draw one? On current evidence, it seems unlikely. More-or-less a third of the season in and City have won 11 games, drawing one.

They look unbeatable at home as they command respect and punish teams for turning up scared.

Tie Down Roberto Mancini Long-Term

Reports suggest this is in the works, but it's something that must be executed.

Roberto Mancini has been fantastic for Manchester City, leading a dressing room full of egos and dealing with problematic players.

He clearly knows his tactics and how to build a team from the back, and his track record in winning league titles can only bode well considering where Manchester City currently sit.

Tying down Roberto Mancini on a long-term deal will install confidence and solidarity into the players minds, giving them reassurance that the current regime they are flourishing in is set to stay.

Make a Few Quality Additions

Quantity is not an issue for Manchester City.

There's always room for for a few quality additions though.

A central defender and a striker might be on Roberto Mancini's shopping list as replacements for Carlos Tevez and Kolo Toure could be needed.

Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Hulk are three strikers who could fit nicely into the City team.

Nicolas Otamendi, Adil Rami and Mats Hummels would be great additions to the back line.