With the start of the 2009-2010 Premiership nearing kickoff, there are several burning questions as to how the League shall play out this season – specifically involving the two Manchester sides.

Will Manchester City Contend for the League Crown?

Manchester City have gone on a soccer betting spending spree during the summer transfer season. They have spent to improve their side up top with the signing of Carlos Tevez, the potent striker who was let go by cross-town rivals Manchester United. Additionally, there is speculation that City has made a record offer to aging Chelsea Captain John Terry. That’s not to say Terry’s age dubs him incapable of playing quality football, however at 29 years of age, it is difficult to justify paying such a commanding salary.

While City have embarked on quite a spending frenzy this off-season, it may well prove to be money well spent and it is realistic to envision City contending for the league crown.

Will United Survive the Departure of #7?

For the third time in a decade, Real Madrid have raided the Manchester United camp of a top United player. Cristiano Ronaldo transferred out to extend his services to Real Madrid in exchange for a record transfer fee of 80 million pounds. Each time United lost a key talent to Real, they bounced back even stronger, just as they did when they lost another #7 – David Beckham to the hands of Real. Becks was replaced by wonder kid Ronaldo, who strengthened the side. Sharpshooter Ruud Van Nistlerooy left town heading for Real, and United filled the void bringing on Tevez (now at City) and Berbetov.

To compensate for the loss of Ronaldo, Sir Alex went out and grabbed another young talent in international standout Antonio Valencia. In perhaps the steal of the century, Michael Owen was signed via free transfer. Owen is a striker with deadly precision in his strikes. He is hungry and on a mission to redeem his career. Having signed with League Champion United, Owen will have the opportunity to recapture his top form. From the looks of his preseason play in Asia, Owen appears fit, focused, and on target.

In addition to the new signings, United can respect a return to action of Owen Hargreaves, which is certain to fill a void in the Manchester United Midfield. Hargreaves missed the majority of the season due to injury and is looking to reclaim a key roll in the midfield.

In the end, while City will certainly contend for a League Crown with a much improved (albeit bought) side, United are the clear favorites to repeat yet again as League Champion. I think United and City finish 1 and 2 respectively.