Manchester City continue their FIFA Club World Cup journey on Sunday against Al-Ain at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, knowing that victory will confirm their spot in the knockout rounds. While City cruised past Wydad AC in their opener, Al-Ain were on the receiving end of a humbling from Juventus.
Match Overview
Pep Guardiola’s side began their Group G campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Moroccan champions Wydad AC, thanks to a goal and assist from Phil Foden. However, a late red card to Rico Lewis slightly marred an otherwise commanding performance.
Al-Ain, meanwhile, were left shell-shocked after a 5-0 demolition by Juventus. Having conceded four goals in the first half alone, the UAE side now face an uphill battle, knowing anything less than a win on Sunday could spell elimination.
Team News
Manchester City
City will be without suspended full-back Rico Lewis, following his red card against Wydad. Matheus Nunes is expected to deputise at right-back, though Guardiola could also look to John Stones or youngster Abdukodir Khusanov.
With knockout qualification nearly secured, Guardiola is likely to rotate. This opens up opportunities for Rayan Ait-Nouri to make his debut at left-back, while the likes of Oscar Bobb, Claudio Echeverri, and Stefan Ortega may also feature in the starting XI.
Predicted XI: Ortega; Nunes, Khusanov, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Bobb, Echeverri, Foden; Haaland
Al-Ain
Head coach Vladimir Ivic is unlikely to make sweeping changes despite the Juventus rout. Rui Patricio remains the man between the posts, with a back five once again expected to be deployed to try and contain City’s attacking threats.
Portuguese defender Fabio Cardoso and veteran striker Kodjo Laba are both set to retain their spots, with Nacer Chadli also expected to support the frontline.
Predicted XI: Patricio; Traore, Ratnik, Rabia, Cardoso, Zabala; Kaku, Nader; Park; Chadli, Laba
Tactical Review
City dominated possession in their opening match and will look to do the same here, using quick combinations and fluid interchanges to break down Al-Ain’s deep block. With Foden, Bobb, and Echeverri providing creativity behind Haaland, City’s attacking depth remains immense—even with heavy rotation.
Al-Ain’s best chance will come from absorbing pressure and hitting on the break, but their midfield must avoid getting overrun if they hope to remain competitive for more than a half.
How to Watch
TV: Available on FIFA+ (streaming) and select international sports networks
Kick-off: Sunday, 22nd June 2025 – Check local listings for time
Prediction
Softfootball Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Al-Ain
City’s superiority in every department makes them heavy favourites. Even with changes to the starting lineup, Guardiola’s men should coast to another comfortable win, eliminating Al-Ain in the process.