Haaland and Foden Set to Lead Man City's Charge Against Juventus in Crucial Champions League Clash
Manchester City will take on Juventus in their concluding group stage encounter at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this Thursday night.
The Citizens are currently behind Group G frontrunners Juve only on goal difference, which means a win is their sole path to claiming first place. A tie or loss would leave them in the runner-up position, though their qualification to the round of 16 is already secured following their dominant 6-0 victory over Al Ain in their previous outing.
Pep Guardiola benefits from having one of the competition's most comprehensive rosters and has managed his rotations effectively so far. Nevertheless, he is expected to field his strongest starting eleven against Juventus for what represents Man City's most challenging fixture in the tournament.
This is how Man City might set up their formation in Orlando.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Juventus (4-2-3-1)
GK: Ederson—After maintaining a clean sheet in Man City's opening match, Ederson was substituted by Stefan Ortega in the subsequent game, but the Brazilian goalkeeper is anticipated to return on Thursday to face Juventus's formidable attacking unit.
RB: Matheus Nunes—With Rico Lewis still serving his suspension following his dismissal against Wydad Casablanca, Nunes is expected to fill in. He will be tasked with containing Kenan Yıldız, regarded as one of the tournament's most promising talents on the wing.
CB: Rúben Dias—Randal Kolo Muani, who has already netted twice in the Club World Cup, will present a significant challenge for the seasoned Dias, though the Portuguese defender will relish this tactical and physical duel.
CB: Nathan Aké—Man City now boasts multiple central defensive choices as their injury concerns have subsided, with Aké vying against players like Manuel Akanji and John Stones for a starting position.
LB: Joško Gvardiol—While Gvardiol has been deployed as a centre-back in recent matches, he remains a capable choice on the left side of the defense. Rayan Aït-Nouri and Nico O'Reilly are additional options for the left-back role.
DM: Nico González—Although Rodri is nearing his first appearance in nine months, Guardiola will likely exercise patience with his gradual return. González serves as a reliable substitute for now.
DM: Tijjani Reijnders—The summer signing is set to make his second Man City appearance and will encounter familiar opponents in Juve. His record shows just one victory in five previous encounters during his tenure with AC Milan.
RW: Savinho—The quick Brazilian winger has the potential to trouble Juventus's attacking wing-backs and will be seeking to rediscover his form before the 2025-26 season begins.
AM: Phil Foden—Foden delivered an exceptional performance against Wydad AC in Man City's tournament opener and will aim to maintain his momentum against Juventus, who will be determined to limit opportunities through the middle of the field.
LW: Omar Marmoush—While Marmoush has primarily been utilized as Haaland's backup, he is equally effective in wide positions. He will be competing with Jérémy Doku for a starting spot against the Italian side.
ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland scored his first Club World Cup goal against Al Ain via penalty and is poised to cause problems for Juventus's three-center-back formation.