Second Game, First Real Answers
After a penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan that left a sour taste, City return to action on Wednesday against a K League All Stars XI. It's the second of three preseason fixtures in Asia, and for Enzo Maresca it's a chance to see his squad take a step forward.
The Blues lost their opening game of the tour on penalties, missing their first three spot-kicks. The less said about that, the better. What matters now is the response, and with several World Cup stars finally back in the fold, there's a different feel to this one.
Fresh Faces and Returning Stars
Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes and Omar Marmoush have all linked up with the squad and are expected to start. Their presence should give Maresca a clearer picture of his strongest XI, even at this early stage of the summer.
There will also be a first taste of the tour for academy trio Floyd Samba, Jaden Heskey and Matty Henderson-Hall. Jeremy Monga, signed from Leicester City over the summer, could also feature.
Ryan McAidoo impressed off the bench in the Inter game, while Antoine Semenyo's work down the left set up City's opener. Both will hope to build on those moments.
Likely Lineup
Predicted City XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Matty Henderson-Hall; Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez; Jeremy Monga, Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush.
Kick-off is at 12:00pm BST (07:00 ET, 04:00 PT). After this one, City wrap up their Asia tour against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.