FIFA Club World Cup: Man City vs. Al Ain Picks — Haaland to Fire Guardiola’s Charge into the Next Round (Jun 22)

Pep Guardiola’s Man City are the reigning champions in the FIFA Club World Cup, but they have been written off by many following their disappointing 2024-25 campaign.

However, it could be too early to dismiss their chances, especially considering the business that the Premier League side completed before the tournament got underway.

The former EPL champions will be aiming to ensure their progression to the knockout round when they come up against Al Ain on matchday two in Group G.

Man City vs. Al Ain Overview

Odds

Man City vs. Al Ain Head-to-Head Record

Key Stats

• Man City recorded a 3-0 win over Al Ain in a friendly match in May 2014.
• Al Ain had avoided defeat in their previous seven matches before the start of the Club World Cup.

Man City Team News

Guardiola will include a trio of new signings in his matchday squad, including Rayan Ait Nouri and Tijani Reijnders. Nathan Ake misses out due to injury.

Possible Lineup

S. Ortega (GK); M. Nunes, R. Dias, J. Gvardiol, R. Ait-Nouri, T. Reijnders, B. Silva, O. Marmoush, P. Foden, J. Doku, E. Haaland

Al Ain Team News

For the second game running, Al Ain could name an unchanged line-up with no injury issues to address.

Possible Lineup

K. Eisa (GK); F. Cardoso, Y. Park, K. Autonne, A. Traore, Y. Nader, M. Al Baloushi, F. Solomoni, A. Romero, S. Rahimi, L. Fo Doh

Man City vs. Al Ain Picks

There is a massive gulf in quality between these two sides, and that will be an alarming factor for Al Ain boss Hernan Crespo.

The outsiders will likely attempt to play a defensive setup, but it could count for very little against a Man City side that has a wealth of attacking options.