The 2010/11 season is finally upon us and two main topics dominate today’s papers – the battle for the Blues’ No.1 shirt and just how Roberto Mancini’s men will fare over the next 10 months.

In fact, the focus on City is virtually unprecedented, with saturation coverage across the board. It wasn’t always like this, was it?!

The Express kicks off the goalkeeping thread with Peter Edwards not alone in his belief that Joe Hart will start against Tottenham in the lunchtime curtain-raiser at White Hart Lane.

“Boss Roberto Mancini will pick Hart, 23, to start in goal against Tottenham today in the opening game of the new season and cap a week to remember for the talented keeper,” writes Edwards.

Matt Lawton in the Daily Mail follows a similar lead: “Joe Hart has been told he will start in goal today for Manchester City, throwing into doubt Shay Given’s future at Eastlands.”

Interestingly, Lawton also goes on to quote a source ‘close to Given’ who says the Republic of Ireland keeper “respects the manager’s decision, even if he thinks it is wrong.” Don’t expect this story to disappear in a hurry.

Meanwhile, the City boss has raised the stakes in the eyes of many tabloids by claiming the Blues are aiming for the title.

David McDonnell in the Daily Mirror says: “Whether all the money spent on players this summer will be enough for City to sustain a title challenge depends on how quickly the new arrivals gel with their new team-mates and whether they can hit the ground running - starting with today's Premier League opener at Tottenham.”

Mario Balotelli’s arrival gets plenty of coverage, while Craig Bellamy continues to attract interest. In fact, pick up any national paper today and you’ll be spoilt for choice – the Blues dominate the back pages!