The stakes could not be higher for Blues both on and off the field

WELCOME back to another season.

- SIMON BAJKOWSKI

As City go in search of a fifth straight Premier League crown on Sunday, when they start their campaign at Chelsea, it feels like this year will go down as one of the most important in the history of the club.

Pep Guardiola is in the final year of his latest contract, and the expectation is that this will be his last year at the Etihad. But after an exhausting eight years that have brought an exhaustive list of trophies won, the hunger is still there from a man who is ready to throw everything at it again in a bid to win more trophies.

When nobody thought a team could win four leagues in England in a row, City became that side last year as they fought their way past Arsenal and Liverpool to make history. Despite further strengthening from Mikel Arteta at the Emirates, few would dare bet against the Blues as they try to turn four into five.

Then there is the Champions League an extended Champions League that promises more games, more money, and quite possibly more interest in the group stage.