Manchester City will conclude their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Premier League rivals Chelsea on Saturday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side last played on Tuesday, drawing 2-2 with Barcelona.
Chelsea, meanwhile, secured a 3-0 victory over Club America on Wednesday.
While it’s challenging to gauge Manchester City’s form in pre-season – especially with several key players still away on international duty – the results and performances have not entirely met Guardiola’s expectations.
The Premier League champions ended last season with a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final and began their pre-season with a 4-3 loss to Celtic.
They then suffered a 3-2 defeat to AC Milan in their second tour match.
On Tuesday, City managed to draw 2-2 with Barcelona, though Barcelona won 4-1 on penalties.
Despite the result, it was a more encouraging performance from Manchester City, with Nico O’Reilly and Jack Grealish scoring.
Guardiola’s side will now face Chelsea to wrap up their US tour before returning to England to prepare for the Community Shield, where they will face Manchester United on August 10.
Manchester City will start their Premier League title defence with an away match at Chelsea on August 18, making this pre-season friendly a useful dress rehearsal.
Chelsea began their pre-season with a 2-2 draw against Wrexham and then suffered a 4-1 defeat to Celtic.
However, they bounced back with a 3-0 win over Club America on Wednesday, with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Marc Guiu, and Noni Madueke.
Following their match against Manchester City, Chelsea will play twice more in the US, facing Real Madrid on August 6 and Inter Milan on August 11.
After returning to England, they will conclude their pre-season with a friendly against Inter Milan.
Chelsea will kick off their new league season against Manchester City and will also be participating in European football next term, featuring in the Conference League. The club has been active in the transfer market, with Filip Jorgensen arriving from Villarreal and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City being their most significant signing in terms of transfer fee.
Chelsea vs Man City team news
Maresca confirmed that Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, and Benoit Badiashile only suffered from cramp during their match against Club America, so they should be available for selection.
Meanwhile, Guardiola has revealed that Erling Haaland is having his minutes managed due to a minor knock and may be rested in preparation for the Community Shield.
Manchester City likely starting lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Phillips, Gvardiol, Wilson-Esbrand; O’Reilly, Kovacic; Bobb, McAtee, Grealish; Haaland
Chelsea likely starting lineup: Jorgensen; James, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Chilwell; Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Nkunku, Sterling; Guiu
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