Manchester City's EPL Holiday Wishlist: I'm Dreaming of a Blue Christmas

It's hard to believe that another year is coming to an end.  With the holidays upon us I thought it would be very fitting to create a Christmas wish list for EPL leaders Manchester City.  

2011 was a monumental year for The Citizens, as City earned their first UCL birth and captured the FA Cup.  Coming off a high in 2011, 2012 looks even brighter for the hopeful City faithful. 

Here I have compiled a list of wants/needs I would like to see in order to ensure Manchester City finish their season atop the league.

Want: Capable Central Midfielder

Manchester City has probably the deepest side in English football; however, being greedy I want more!  City has nearly two capable players for every slot on the pitch; however, I feel an area that could use a boost is the middle of the park.  

Yaya Toure has been a centerpiece in the middle since his arrival, as he has had a great year but unfortunately will be lost with the African Cup of Nations in the New Year.  This is certainly a big hole to fill.  City still has two great options in Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong, but Owen Hargreaves is a very thin third option in Toure's absence.  

Hargreaves was signed at the end of the Summer transfer window for this option.  However, with a dreadful history of injuries which has kept him off the pitch in recent years, is he enough? Although I highly doubt that Mancini would make a splash for Italian sensation Daniele De Rossi, he would be a most welcome addition to the club.  

Realistically speaking, a veteran defensive mid with EPL experience should be on Mancini's radar to begin the new year.   

Need: Health and Happiness

In order for City to continue to compete, health is a must.  City has the luxury of a very deep and talented squad that can rotate in and out of first team action each week.  However, any injury in defense could be costly, as this is probably City's thinnest position.

This being said, thus far, Man City has been very lucky with injuries.  Credit must be given to Mancini and the staff for effectively rotating and preparing their squad each week to avoid costly injuries and an unhappy squad.  

Want: Naughty or Nice?

Mario Balotelli.  We have seen the naughty and nice of this young superstar in his short term in Manchester.  He has emerged this season as a constant goal threat anytime he steps foot on the pitch.  Balotelli has scored an impressive eight times in only 11 appearances in the English Premier League this season.  

Constantly grabbing media attention with outlandish stories, this young Italian international has been both a blessing and a curse thus far for Mancini.  The potential for greatness is very apparent as city fans hold their breath hoping that Mario grows with maturity and achieves success in Manchester.

Personally, I'll take Mario naughty or nice, as long as he performs.

Need: Sell Carlos Tevez!

This never-ending saga that is Carlos Tevez vs. City has to be put to rest.  Tevez has great skill, but such a poor attitude.  It is hard to comprehend the difficulty that Tevez has had in his short career with city, but his actions have gone well beyond mending and he simply must be sold.  

With many clubs discouraged by the cost/benefit of Tevez, City must sell this disgruntled star, whatever the price.  Accept an offer and move on!

Want: Another Striker

This request is almost gluttonous, but would another striker hurt?  

Manchester City has had success with all three of their top strikers this year.  Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have all been outstanding for the club early this season.  

However, if one were to be forced out of action due to injury, there are really no options beyond these three.  Edison Cavani is a young striker on the rise that City has been keeping an eye on.  

This would be a welcome edition to The Citizens; however, I'm not so sure he would be the proper option.  Signing Cavani could lead to rotation problems and disunity among the strikers.  

Signing a veteran striker or a young prospect with potential might be the proper route if Mancini plans on adding depth up front.  Ironically, a player like Roque Santa Cruz is someone who could have potentially filled this role.  

Need: A Capable Central Defender

Lastly, Manchester City is definitely in need of another central defender.  

With Kolo Toure lacking the quality that he was originally signed for, City should look for another option.  Stefan Savic has shown potential in his limited action thus far; however, I also do not see him as a viable option to fill any permanent void at the back.  

Instead, Manchester City should look to snatch a proven young defender like Mats Hummels this January.  This would provide more than adequate backup and also fulfill a long-term goal.  

Conclusion

Manchester City enters this new year with very few "must haves." City sits in good position to continue their form and enter 2012 with a bang.  Mancini will likely add a few pieces to strengthen his side, hopefully without disrupting the balance in the blue side of Manchester.