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Will Erling Haaland make his debut against Bayern Munich?

By James Fudge

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 20: Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the pre season friendly between Manchester City and Club America at NRG Stadium on July 20, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JULY 20: Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the pre season friendly between Manchester City and Club America at NRG Stadium on July 20, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City fans got a sight of their new signings, Kalvin Phillips, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Ortega as they beat Club America 2-1 in Houston. There was one man missing and, probably, the one we all wanted to see.

There have been fitness concerns regarding Erling Haaland and it was a surprise for many to not see him get off the bench in the first pre-season. A few niggles earlier on in pre-season were confirmed by Pep Guardiola with details of a personal fitness plan revealed.

"The manager confirmed: “Next game, Erling will be ready. He’s had niggles and a few problems. We’ll see. He’s trained just two sessions and didn’t want to take risks. The season is so long.”"

Now things look hopeful for the visit to Green Bay giving hope for the game against Bayern Munich.

The Norwegian striker also appeared to confirm his debut will be incoming against the German champions, a team he is all too familiar with, in a tweet following his 22nd birthday.

https://twitter.com/ErlingHaaland/status/1549958251315339264

The Nordic giant will relish coming up against his former rivals in different colours in Lambeau Field in Wisconsin, a possible chance of rectifying some of his Bundesliga misery etched upon his stay in Germany.

But it is a different team now without the focal point of Robert Lewandowski and youngsters in the shape of Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.

Former star Leroy Sane will feature, along with Sadio Mane, who comes with an impressive scoring record against City; likely to be his only chance to extend that return, barring any Champions League knockout tie.

Guardiola is unlikely to swap much from the first game with an impressive Alvarez likely to deputise for the Norwegian, and possibly Kalvin Phillips starting in place of Rodri.

Cole Palmer and James McAtee could also be handed starts given both players will feature more prominently in the first team this season, while king Kevin is going to look to continue his form into the season, potentially adding to his two goals against Club America.

Haaland debuting in America, Wembley, London Stadium or at his new home will certainly keep City fans waiting in anticipation to see what he will bring to the champions of England.

Let’s just hope we see the first of the goals, goals, goals come against a potential Champions League rival.

Predicted Line-Up

Ederson , Walker, Mbete, Ake, Cancelo, Rodri, Phillips, De Bruyne, Grealish, Palmer, Haaland