The talking points as Manchester City begin their US tour on Sunday in Houston, followed by matches against Club America and Bayern Munich.
Manchester City have arrived in Houston and will begin their tour activities on Sunday as part of an eight-day trip to the United States.
The tour began with the announcement that four key first-team players would not be traveling, but this gives others, including the four new signings, a chance to impress Pep Guardiola for a week before the start of the new season. A number of young players have also traveled, providing a valuable opportunity to show the coaching staff what they can do on a senior matchday.
With a heatwave warning in the UK, City players will have arrived in Texas to 35-degree temperatures and high humidity, with the potential for temperatures to rise further during their stay. However, the 26-man squad will have to adapt because this week could be critical to their season prospects.
When Erling Haaland is training or playing on the tour, all eyes will be on him. Fans have noticed a lack of Haaland photos in club training pictures, but he was in the front row of the squad as they boarded their flight to Houston, and his every kick will be scrutinized when City takes on Club America on Wednesday.
City will be hoping for a quick start from their new number nine, and what better way to get started than in front of two massive crowds before facing Liverpool in the Community Shield?
City will be fine without Gundogan, Phil Foden, and Aymeric Laporte, and Guardiola has always encouraged an environment in which players can keep their positions if they seize opportunities and perform well. In the case of Jack Grealish, he now has an early opportunity to claim the left-wing spot for the Community Shield without having to compete with Foden for two games, especially with the departures of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.
Similarly, Nathan Ake may see more playing time in the absence of Laporte in the United States, after it was revealed that he will remain at City this season after Chelsea failed to meet his asking price. Ake is a player who excels when given the opportunity, so expect the same in these two friendlies.
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