Manchester City Clash with Al Hilal: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting Lineups
Manchester City face Saudi Arabia's champions Al Hilal in the Club World Cup with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
Pep Guardiola's team began somewhat sluggishly with a 2–0 victory against Wydad Casablanca in their initial group match, but netted 11 goals across their following two fixtures to secure Group G comfortably. Following their demolition of Al Ain 6–0, City delivered an exceptional display to defeat Juventus 5–2 in their third group encounter.
This was the kind of performance that had many proclaiming the return of the sky blue powerhouse following a lackluster 2024–25 campaign, and City have established themselves as frontrunners to claim this summer's restructured tournament.
The English Premier League club have been strongly favored to progress to the final eight, though Al Hilal, now under new boss Simone Inzaghi, have already secured a 1–1 draw with Real Madrid, and their 2–0 triumph over Pachuca ensured they advanced alongside the Spanish powerhouse from Group H.
The victors of this encounter will meet either Inter or Fluminense in the quarterfinal round.
Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive guide to this Club World Cup round of 16 matchup.
What Time Does Man City vs. Al Hilal Kick-Off?
Man City vs. Al Hilal Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between Man City and Al Hilal.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Man City | Al Hilal |
|---|---|
Juventus 2–5 Man City – 26/06/25 | Al Hilal 2–0 Pachuca – 27/06/25 |
Man City 6–0 Al Ain – 23/06/25 | RB Salzburg 0–0 Al Hilal – 22/06/25 |
Man City 2–0 Wydad Casablanca – 18/06/25 | Real Madrid 1–1 Al Hilal – 18/06/25 |
Fulham 0–2 Man City – 25/05/25 | Al Hilal 2–0 Al Qadisiyah – 26/05/25 |
Man City 3–1 Bournemouth – 20/05/25 | Al Wehda 1–1 Al Hilal – 21/05/25 |
How to Watch Man City vs. Al Hilal on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN, Channel 5 |
United States | DAZN, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, Watch TNT, TUDN App, TNT USA, truTV USA, TUDN USA, UniMás |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN, ViX, tabii |
Man City Team News
Pep Guardiola has deployed much of his Club World Cup roster already, with Rodri making his initial start since September in Man City's demolition of Juventus.
Their remarkable showing in their third group match should persuade the manager to maintain a similar starting formation for this elimination fixture. Nevertheless, Erling Haaland should return and lead the attack, while Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden have both demonstrated flashes of excellence. The creative duo appeared as substitutes in the previous match, with Pep choosing Jérémy Doku and Savinho to support Omar Marmoush.
Josko Gvardiol might also return to City's defensive line and provide cover for the attacking runs of Rayan Aït-Nouri, who impressed against Juventus.
The Citizens have no new injury worries.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Al Hilal
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Al Hilal (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Aït-Nouri; Gonzalez, Gündoğan; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Al Hilal Team News
Al Hilal skipper Salem Al-Dawsari netted his fifth Club World Cup goal in the 2–0 win over Pachuca in their concluding group fixture, but he will not participate further in this summer's competition due to a hamstring problem.
Mohamed Kanno came on as Al-Dawsari's replacement, and the natural midfielder could fill in for the captain against the Citizens with Inzaghi possibly switching to a more defensive approach.
Forward Aleksandar Mitrović continues to be sidelined with injury amid speculation of a Premier League comeback, but other recognizable faces, including former City player João Cancelo, are anticipated to start. Kalidou Koulibaly, Rúben Neves and Sergej Milinković-Savić have been regular starters for Inzaghi throughout the tournament.
Al Hilal Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Al Hilal Predicted Lineup vs. Man City (4-3-1-2): Bono; Cancelo, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; N. Al-Dawsari, Neves, Kanno; Milinković-Savić; Malcom, Leonardo
Man City vs. Al Hilal Score Prediction
Inzaghi represented quite an acquisition for Al Hilal, and the Italian's tactical expertise on the sideline is already showing results. They conceded only once during the group phase, but they may need exceptional performances from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou if they hope to achieve a significant upset in Orlando.
Man City were outstanding against Juventus, with their three summer signings bringing renewed energy to a squad that endured difficulties throughout 2024–25. While it might be somewhat premature to declare that the Citizens have fully returned to form, the indicators have certainly been encouraging in the United States.
Inzaghi's squad could find success through counter-attacks on Monday evening, but this fluid City team should ultimately overcome the Saudi champions.