Man City vs Wydad form
One of the two tickets to the next round in Group G is probably very difficult to escape from Man City. Perhaps, the only opponent that can compete directly with Pep Guardiola's powerful army is Juventus. Because the remaining two names, Al Ain (UAE) or Wydad (Morocco) are still at a level too far below.
Man City are determined to win the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite starting the 2024/25 season with the Community Shield, the Etihad team ultimately disappointed.
Too weak in the Premier League, eliminated early in the Champions League and also having hard-to-swallow failures in two domestic cup competitions, Man City really wants to regain their reputation with a trophy in the US.
Before the trip to the land of the stars and stripes, the Manchester giants were very active in the transfer market.
Veteran conductor Kevin de Bruyne has left on a free transfer, while several other stars such as Kyle Walker, John Stones and Jack Grealish are also looking for new destinations.
In return, Man City has brought in some very promising names. Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders are expected to breathe new life into a system that has been somewhat dilapidated under Pep. Of course, all three new recruits will be part of the journey to conquer the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
This is the second time Man City has participated in a club-level tournament organized by FIFA. The first time, two years ago, the former Premier League champion did not encounter many difficulties to reach the highest peak.
However, with the tournament structure changed, and the presence of more talents from the old continent, the road to glory will be much more thorny.
But before thinking further, Man City need to do well in the group stage. In which, the goal of taking the top spot is really important. Because then, Man Xanh will most likely avoid having to face their fateful rival Real Madrid in the round of 16.
The scenario of Real winning the top spot in Group H is very bright when they are only in the same group with Al Hilal, Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg.
For its part, Wydad is no stranger to the FIFA Club World Cup. This is the third time that the most successful team in Moroccan football has won a ticket to participate. However, Wydad's past achievements are not very impressive.
The club from North Africa lost to Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) in the 5th place match (2017/18) and was eliminated by another Asian representative, Al Hilal, in the 2nd round (2022/23).
Like previous times, Wydad is probably not expected to go far. The Casablanca team is likely to only be present to "complete the table" because they are unlikely to be able to compete for the top two positions in Group G.
Right in the opening match, the team under coach Mohamed Benhachem easily proved that they were just underdogs.
Man City vs Wydad squad information
Man City: All four new signings Reijnders, Cherki, Ait-Nouri and reserve goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli are present. Mateo Kovacic is the only notable absentee due to not recovering from injury.
Wydad: Full squad. Veteran midfielder Nordin Amrabat is the most notable face.
Expected lineup Man City vs Wydad
Man City: Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Reijnders, Gonzalez; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Wydad: El Motie; Moufi, Meijers, Harkass, Boucheta; Malsa, Moubarik; Amrabat, Arthur, Rayhi; Obeng
Prediction: 4-0
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/nhan-dinh-tran-dau-man-city-vs-wydad-23h00-ngay-186-con-thinh-no-cua-man-xanh-143777.html
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