Anticipating a Group G Showdown
Manchester City, the defending FIFA Club World Cup champions, kick off their 2025 campaign against Morocco’s Wydad AC on June 18, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. This Group G opener in the expanded 32-team tournament marks the first-ever meeting between the Premier League giants and the 22-time Moroccan champions. With City aiming to salvage a challenging 2024-25 season, this match is a chance to assert dominance, while Wydad seeks to prove their mettle on the global stage. Below is a detailed preview, including predictions, team news, and lineups, optimized for searches like “Manchester City vs Wydad AC prediction 2025” and “Club World Cup lineups.”
Team Form and Key Players
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, enter with a 12-1-0 record across their last 13 matches in all competitions, though they suffered a surprising FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace and a Champions League knockout defeat to Real Madrid. Their attack, averaging 2.2 goals per game in their last 10 matches (12 first-half goals), is led by Erling Haaland, who remains a scoring machine. New signings Rayan Cherki (£30M from Lyon) and Tijjani Reijnders bolster their midfield creativity, while Rodri’s return from injury strengthens the spine. Despite a fully fit squad, City’s high line could be tested by Wydad’s counter-attacks, especially given their defensive spacing, which allows minimal gaps.
Wydad AC, third in the 2024-25 Botola Pro 1, qualified via their 2021-22 CAF Champions League title. Unbeaten in 14 competitive matches in 2025, they’ve shown resilience but struggled defensively, managing only three clean sheets since March. Their attack, led by veteran Nordin Amrabat and new signing Omar Al-Somah, scored more first-half goals than second-half but faltered late in matches, costing them the Botola title. Recent friendly losses to Sevilla and Porto highlight their vulnerability against elite opposition, and their third-place finish, 16 points behind RS Berkane, underscores inconsistency.
Team News and Injuries
Manchester City have a fully fit squad, with the exception of Mateo Kovacic, who underwent Achilles surgery and is expected back for the 2025-26 Premier League season. Jack Grealish was omitted from the Club World Cup roster, a surprising decision. Cherki and Reijnders are set for competitive debuts, with Omar Marmoush and Haaland leading the attack. John Stones is available but may be rested to manage workload.
Wydad AC face injury concerns with left-back Ayoub Boucheta (leg) listed as doubtful, and young Brazilian forward Renan sidelined. New signings Bart Meijers, Stephane Aziz Ki, Amrabat, Hamza Hannouri, and Al-Somah are available, with Amrabat’s experience (38 years old, ex-Hull City) key against City’s high press. Coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem may lean on goalkeeper Youssef El Motie, though his 3.5 goals allowed per game against elite attacks is a concern.
Predicted Lineups
- Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Reijnders; Savinho, Cherki, Marmoush; Haaland.
- Wydad AC (4-3-3): Benabid; Moufid, Harkass, Dari, Boutouil; Zemraoui, Moubarik, Aziz Ki; Amrabat, Rayhi, Obeng.
Match Prediction: City’s Firepower to Overwhelm
Manchester City are heavy favorites, with betting odds at -900 for a win, Wydad at +3300, and a draw at +1200. City’s squad value (over €1 billion) dwarfs Wydad’s (€25 million), and their attacking depth—averaging 16 shots per game, 5.7 on target—should exploit Wydad’s defensive frailties. Haaland, with 7/4 odds to score anytime, is a prime candidate to challenge Cristiano Ronaldo’s Club World Cup goal record (seven). Wydad’s counter-attacking threat, led by Amrabat, could capitalize on City’s high line, especially in Philadelphia’s warm weather (85°F), which may favor the in-season Moroccans. However, their lack of clean sheets and struggles against top teams suggest a lopsided affair.
Expect City to dominate early, with 12 of their last 22 goals coming in the first half. A 4-1 victory is predicted, with City’s new signings integrating smoothly and Haaland scoring at least once. Wydad may nick a goal on the counter, but their defense is unlikely to hold against City’s relentless attack. Both teams to score (BTTS) at 3/4 odds is a solid bet, given Wydad’s scoring consistency.
Betting Tips
- Manchester City to win: 1/9
- Both teams to score: 3/4
- Erling Haaland anytime goalscorer: 7/4
- Over 3.5 goals: 5/6
