Man City could set transfer stance on two players in first friendly vs Yokohama

When Manchester City take to the field for the first time in 2023/24 on Sunday, all eyes will be on who is in the starting line up. And who isn't.

Pep Guardiola admitted on Sunday that he doesn't know what his squad will look like at the start of the season, with Riyad Mahrez leaving and Kyle Walker potentially joining Wednesday's opponents Bayern Munich. If Walker was to start against Yokohama F Marinos, it could suggest that City are planning for him to be involved in their side going forward. It wouldn't make much sense to get him fit for someone else instead of using the valuable time to prepare for life without him.

Then there is Joao Cancelo, who is part of the City squad and Guardiola said that he will be welcomed back if he stays this summer. It could make more sense for Cancelo to play in order to familiarise himself with the Blues way of playing - as well as their new-look system without traditional full-backs.

How City use Walker and Cancelo in Tokyo could hint at how willing the club are to let either (or both) leave.

ALSO READ: How Man City should line up vs Yokohama F Marinos

As City beat Inter Milan in Istanbul last month, they did so with John Stones and Phil Foden playing in midfield. Stones earned plaudits for bossing the midfield stepping up from the back, while Foden replaced Kevin De Bruyne and could have scored himself. Both had been playing centrally in the weeks leading up to the final, capping off their evolutions into midfielders in Istanbul.

With three friendlies, plus the Community Shield, City have a great opportunity to give Stones and Foden more licence to play as out-and-out midfielders to hone their skills for the coming season. Starting against Yokohama, who will be fitter but