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6 Players To Watch: Manchester City Vs. AC Milan At Heinz Field

If you're still buzzing about the 2014 FIFA World Cup and want to get an up-close look at some of the top players in the world, you're in luck!

The Guinness International Champions Cup kicks off this week and two of Europe's biggest clubs will meet at Heinz Field on Sunday.

Reigning Barclays Premier League champion Manchester City will take on AC Milan at 4 p.m.

Manchester City isn't bringing their full complement of stars across the pond for this tournament. The likes of Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Yaya Youre and others are resting up after the World Cup.

However, there are still a few players to keep your eye on for both clubs.

Manchester City

Samir Nasri

Nasri netted 11 goals this past season for Manchester City and was just rewarded with a new five-year contract.

One of those 11 goals was the opener in a 2-0 win over West Ham United on the final day of the season, which helped secure the Barclays Premier League title.

The 27-year-old French midfielder has 22 goals in 129 appearances since joining Manchester City in 2011.

Fernando

The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder signed with Manchester City in June.

Prior to signing with Manchester City, Fernando helped FC Porto win four league titles and the Europa League title in 2011.

The defensive-minded Fernando earned the nickname "Octopus" because he seems to be everywhere on the field.

Alvaro Negredo

The 28-year-old Spanish striker scored 23 goals in a total of 48 appearances between league and cup matches in his first season at Manchester City last year.

His scoring pace slowed in late January and he saw his playing time cut down due to an injury.

Edin Dzeko seized the opportunity and became Manuel Pellegrini's main option by the end of the season.

But, Negredo will be looking to return to form, starting with Sunday's match against AC Milan.

AC_milan
(Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

AC Milan

Mario Balotelli

The 23-year-old Italian striker will be facing his former club in this matchup. Last season, Balotelli scored 14 goals in 30 club appearances.

This has been an interesting summer for Balotelli. He appeared in all three of Italy's group matches at the World Cup, where he scored one goal. However, Italy failed to advance to the knockout stage.

Now, there are rumors flying that he may be sold to Arsenal or Liverpool. Time will tell if there's any validity to the rumors, but he's expected to join AC Milan for the International Champions Cup.

Robinho

Robinho is another player on the AC Milan side with previous ties to Manchester City. The 30-year-old Brazilian forward joined AC Milan in 2010, but has struggled over the past two seasons.

Now, there is talk that he could be either sold or loaned to Orlando City in time for their 2015 MLS debut.

Last season, he appeared in 23 club matches and scored three goals.

Stephan El Shaarawy

Last season was riddled with injuries for the 21-year-old forward. As a result, he only appeared in six matches.

However, he possesses a great deal of talent and could play a big role for AC Milan as they look to improve upon a dismal eighth place finish in Serie A.

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