Javier Mascherano

The new Chinese Super League season begins with the Guangzhou derby on Friday when Fabio Cannavaro's reigning champions Evergrande host southern city rivals R&F. But Chinese football has lost some of its lustre: Carlos Tevez is back in Argentina after his disastrous year at Shanghai Shenhua and new rules means Chinese clubs have not splurged on foreign talent as in previous years. Javier Mascherano has, however, arrived at Hebei China Fortune from Barcelona and the expensive Brazilians Oscar and Hulk will again lead Shanghai SIPG's title assault. AFP Sport highlights five talking points ahead of the big kick-off: