Manchester City Set to Battle Wydad AC: Complete Match Preview and Starting XI Predictions
Manchester City aim to begin their 2025 Club World Cup journey on a positive note as they take on Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia this Wednesday.
Although Portuguese teams Porto and Benfica both encountered difficulties in their draws against South American opponents, Europe's elite clubs have remained unbeaten in the competition thus far. The 2023 champions City have the opportunity to deliver a commanding display at the Eagles' venue against a Wydad squad that has lost some of their former dominance.
The 2021–22 CAF Champions League champions hold the record as Morocco's most successful football club, yet they've been characterized as an organization in 'chaos' entering this competition. They secured third place in the 2024–25 Botola following a dramatic drop to sixth position the previous season, with internal instability affecting their on-field performance.
Man City failed to secure a fifth consecutive Premier League crown last season, but the Citizens bounced back from a terrible streak at the close of 2024 to claim third place. Nevertheless, their loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final resulted in their first trophy-less campaign since Pep Guardiola's inaugural season in charge.
Despite their lackluster showing in 2024–25, City, strengthened by fresh signings, approach this summer's competition as among the leading contenders to claim victory in New Jersey next month.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Man City vs. Wydad AC in the Club World Cup.
What Time Does Man City vs. Wydad AC Kick-Off?
Man City vs. Wydad AC Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive encounter between Man City and Wydad AC.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Man City | Wydad AC |
|---|---|
Fulham 0–2 Man City – 25/05/25 | Wydad AC 0–1 Porto – 31/05/25 |
Man City 3–1 Bournemouth – 20/05/25 | Wydad AC 0–1 Sevilla – 27/05/25 |
Crystal Palace 1–0 Man City – 17/05/25 | Wydad AC 2–0 RCA Zemamra – 11/05/25 |
Southampton 0–0 Man City – 10/05/25 | JS Soualem 0–2 Wydad AC – 08/05/25 |
Man City 1–0 Wolves – 02/05/25 | Wydad AC 2–1 AS FAR – 03/05/25 |
How to Watch Man City vs. Wydad AC on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | DAZN, Channel 5 |
United States | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | ViX, DAZN |
Man City Team News
Man City can utilize their three fresh acquisitions in the United States, and Guardiola might feature his new duo in Wednesday's starting formation. Rayan Aït-Nourti will compete with Nico O'Reilly for a starting position at right-back, while Rayan Cherki may find himself deployed in an attacking midfield role.
Tijjani Reijnders faces increased competition for a box-to-box role, particularly with Rodri's return to action at season's end. The Spanish midfielder is prepared for the tournament's commencement, and Guardiola will likely utilize this summer competition to ready the 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient for the 2025–26 season opener.
Nevertheless, with Mateo Kovačić sidelined due to an Achilles problem, Reijnders might form a midfield partnership with Rodri.
Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker were omitted from Guardiola's tournament squad.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Wydad AC
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Wydad AC (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Días, Gvardiol, Aït-Nouri; Rodri, Reijnders; Savinho, Cherki, Marmoush; Haaland.
Wydad AC Team News
Wydad AC's 29-player roster features notable newcomer Nordin Amrabat, sibling of former Manchester United loanee Sofyan.
The 38-year-old veteran striker has been well beyond his prime for some time, having just completed an unsuccessful stint with Hull City in the Championship. He previously represented Morocco at the 2018 World Cup.
There's optimism that left-back Ayoub Boucheta will recover from a minor injury to feature on Tuesday, though Wydad will definitely be without Renan due to a persistent knee problem.
Wydad AC Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Wydad AC Predicted Lineup vs. Man City (4-3-3): Benabid; Moufid, Dairani, Boutouli, Nassik; Moutaraji, Moubarik, Zemraoui; Amrabat, Obeng, Rayhi.
Man City vs. Wydad AC Score Prediction
Wydad suffered narrow defeats to both Sevilla and Porto in their tournament preparation, and they'll face a City side that might need time to find their rhythm. The new signings will undoubtedly require an adjustment period to adapt to Guardiola's methods, and their demanding season could impact their performance in the U.S.
However, this current Wydad team lacks the capability to spring an upset in Philadelphia. The squad from three years past might have posed some challenges to the Citizens, but they've transformed into a much weaker version of the team that dominated Africa in 2022.
While the Moroccans may show early enthusiasm, City should systematically break them down and ultimately secure a convincing victory with multiple goals.