Micah Richards believes Jack Grealish could have a massive impact at Manchester City, helping them to another trophy haul this season.
Grealish made British football history earlier this month, when he left Aston Villa for the Etihad in a deal worth £100million.
He adds even more quality to a side that has won three of the last four Premier League titles.
Liverpool have been the only side to break City’s dominance, but Richards thinks it will be Chelsea that provide their biggest threat this time around.
After a summer packed with international tournaments, the ex-City defender thinks his old side could get off to a slow start, but will be top of the pile come next May.
"I think Manchester City will win the Premier League after a slow start," he told NSport.
"They have a settled defence but might still need a left-back and a striker. I see Chelsea as the biggest threat followed by Liverpool and Manchester United."
On players that could have the biggest impact, he added: “My pal Jack Grealish, who I think will improve City and get better and better himself playing alongside some world-class talent and being coached by Pep Guardiola.”
Guardiola’s side were beaten in last season’s FA Cup final, denying them a domestic treble, but Richards predicts they will go one better in 2021/22. "There’s a theme starting here but I think City will win that too."
However, he does think that Manchester United will end City’s remarkable record in the Carabao Cup which has seen them win the competition in six out of the last eight seasons.
Who do you think will win the Premier League title next season? Have your say here
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that winning trophies is now a requirement at Old Trafford having signed Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, whether the Carabao Cup would suffice remains to be seen.
The Champions League will once again be the main barometer for success back at the Etihad, but Richards fears that Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain transfer will finally see them crowned as Europe’s best.
“Lionel Messi’s arrival at PSG just tips the scales for me, though I think the English clubs will all be there or thereabouts, while some of the traditional European giants rebuild,” he explained.
The champions kick-off their Premier League campaign against Tottenham on Sunday, a day after Manchester United start theirs against Leeds United at Saturday lunchtime.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview of YOUR club - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy .
