Man City fans identify their biggest concern ahead of new Premier League season

Manchester City fans have given their assessment ahead of a new Premier League season for Pep Guardiola's side

Manchester City may not be in action during the Premier League's opening weekend but they will have certainly kept a close eye on proceedings.

Encouragement may have been found from Liverpool's performance in the dramatic 4-3 victory over Leeds United at Anfield, where defensive vulnerabilities in Jurgen Klopp's side were exposed. That could certainly help City in their push to reclaim the Premier League title and be crowned champions for the third time in four seasons.

However, a survey among City fans conducted by MEN Sport found that the supporters harbour concerns around their own defensive ranks.

Fifty-nine per cent of respondents stated that centre-back was their main area of concern in the team, despite the signing of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth, while a further 18 per cent were concerned about the left-back position.

That means that over three-quarters of fans who completed the survey still need convincing about Pep Guardiola's defence, following a campaign where the backline's performance was a key reason why the title was conceded to Liverpool.

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However, that has not played down the confidence among supporters as a whopping 80% believe that the Premier League title will return to the Etihad Stadium next year.

That view is echoed by fans of other top-flight sides, with 43% believing that Guardiola will steer City to another league title - with Liverpool touted as favourites by just 16 per cent of respondents.

Ferran Torres has been highlighted as one to watch, with 58 per cent of fans identifying him as their surprise package for the campaign, while 42 per cent of fans stated they were happy with the transfer business conducted so far this summer.

The jury is still out for 31 per cent of supporters regarding transfer activity though, suggesting they are hopeful of further business before the deadline next month.