New era begins in Houston
Not since Pep Guardiola's second summer at Manchester City has there been so much overhaul in the transfer market. This year, four players have arrived, and five have left - all in important positions.
The external focus for this first pre-season game against Club America will naturally be on Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Kalvin Phillips, however the collective absence of Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Aleks Zinchenko may prove to be a culture shock as these were four players completely in tune with Guardiola's demands. The new boys will have to get up to speed quickly as a new era under Guardiola begins.
All eyes on Haaland
In a normal year, maybe fans would struggle to motivate themselves for a friendly halfway across the world against Club America, especially with the kick-off in the UK coming in the early hours. The focus of pre-season should always be on building fitness and implementing new ideas. But this is not a normal year.
With Erling Haaland's arrival, there are plenty of reasons to tune in for UK fans, with the Norwegian having plenty of questions to answer himself.
Will he start? How will he link up with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva? How quickly can City adapt back to playing with a number nine? Will Haaland be asked to come deep and help the build-up or will he simply be required for his finishing?
Where will Alvarez line up?
Everyone is set to analyse every touch of Haaland's, so maybe this fixture provides a chance for Julian Alvarez to introduce himself to City fans under the radar. He should be fitter than his teammates having played since February, and has looked sharp in training in the last two weeks.
It would make sense for him to share the central strike responsibilities with Haaland. Although if he was to drift to the right, as many have suggested he could, it would give a clearer indication of where Guardiola plans to use him this season.
Phillips formation hints
If Alvarez can take advantage of the Haaland focus, then Kalvin Phillips can benefit from all eyes being on the front line even more. The new midfielder can play in Rodri's position, but also in a more central midfield role.
His double pivot role for England has also raised the possibility of recreating a formation with two holding midfielders at City, allowing more support around Haaland at the top of the pitch. The formation against Club America will be perhaps as important as the performance of any of the new signings.
Youngsters have golden opportunity
Ten youngsters have travelled and will be hoping to feature in these two friendlies, starting tonight in Houston. Cole Palmer should get game time on the right, while James McAtee and Liam Delap will also be hoping to feature. Kayky's ability to play on either wing could also help him get some minutes.
In defence, full-backs Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Rico Lewis should feature given Aleks Zinchenko's impending departure and lack of other cover in that position, while Luke Mbete and Finley Burns should be called upon to manage the minutes of Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake.
Oscar Bobb and Ben Knight may also want to get on the pitch and show City what they can offer.
