Haaland Set for Comeback as Man City Unveils New Summer Star Against Al Ain
Manchester City are looking to book their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 when they take on Al Ain in Atlanta.
The Citizens claimed a 2-0 victory over Morocco's Wydad Casablanca in their opening match thanks to Phil Foden's brilliant display and understand that defeating Al Ain while Juventus earns points against Wydad AC in Group G's other game will guarantee their progression to the knockout stage.
Considering Al Ain suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Juventus in their previous outing, Manchester City should face little difficulty overcoming the 2024 AFC Champions League champions, with Pep Guardiola expected to rotate his squad from the team that triumphed on the opening matchday.
Here's how Manchester City might set up at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Al Ain (4-1-4-1)
GK: Ederson—Ederson faced minimal pressure against Wydad but maintained Manchester City's clean sheet despite a few nervous moments. He anticipates another comfortable evening against Al Ain.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Rico Lewis received a late red card in Man City's first-round success and is unavailable for the Al Ain encounter, so natural midfielder Nunes will step in at right-back, a position he frequently occupied during the previous campaign.
CB: Abdukodir Khusanov—Vitor Reis was the young defender given a starting chance previously, but Khusanov might receive the opportunity in Atlanta. He'll be looking to outperform his Brazilian colleague, who struggled against Wydad.
CB: Rúben Dias—Manchester City can rely on Dias's consistency, having been fortunate to rest during the opening match. Guardiola now enjoys abundant central defensive choices with injuries subsiding.
LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri—While Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki made their debuts against Wydad, Aït-Nouri remained unused for the Citizens. The summer signing should receive his inaugural minutes in Manchester City colors.
DM: Nico González—Reijnders operated as the lone defensive midfielder against Wydad and impressed in his debut. With Manchester City cautious about Rodri's return, Nico might start against Al Ain.
RM: Bernardo Silva—Recently appointed as Manchester City's club captain, Silva will aim to mark his captaincy with an impressive display against Al Ain. He could operate from the right flank while having freedom to move centrally.
CM: İlkay Gündoğan—The German midfielder was among Manchester City's more reliable players last season, despite his performance levels declining since his return from Barcelona.
CM: Phil Foden—After struggling throughout the 2024-25 campaign, Foden demonstrated his exceptional ability in Manchester City's opener with a goal and assist. Guardiola will want to provide him another chance to gain crucial confidence.
LM: Savinho—Manchester City's wing options remain somewhat limited, but with Jérémy Doku finding the net against Wydad, Savinho will hope to replicate that success against Al Ain.
ST: Erling Haaland—Omar Marmoush spearheaded the attack for the opening hour of last Wednesday's win, but Haaland should return to the starting lineup against Al Ain. He'll be determined to score his first Club World Cup goal while pursuing the Golden Boot.