The Matchday 2 clash of the 2025 Club World Cup between Manchester City (England) and Al Ain (UAE) will take place on June 23 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, USA. Manchester City vs. Al Ain: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester City
The Citizens comfortably defeated Wydad 2-0 in the first round. The relatively modest scoreline can be attributed to Pep Guardiola fielding an experimental lineup, even including players who joined the team in early June. This victory marked the third for the English side in the Club World Cup, during which Manchester City has not conceded a single goal.
- The English club has managed only two wins in regular time in their last eight UEFA Champions League matches at the Club World Cup (1 draw and 5 losses).
- At least four goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 8 of Manchester City's last 10 games in these tournaments.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 6 of the last 8 matches of the Citizens in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-3-3)
Ederson – Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake, Vitor Reis, Nico O'Reilly – Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden – Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, Savio.
Defender Rico Lewis will not play due to a red card in the first round.
Al Ain
The strongest team in Asia for the 2023/24 season suffered a surprising heavy defeat in the first round. Vladimir Ivic's side had no answer to Juventus, losing 0-5. Following this defeat, Al Ain found themselves at the bottom of Group G. Notably, this loss was their second in regular time at the Club World Cup (1 win and 2 draws).
- The club has lost in regular time in 7 of their last 8 matches in the AFC Champions League and the Club World Cup.
- At least three goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 6 of Al Ain's last 8 games in these tournaments.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 12 of the last 14 encounters for the Arabs in the AFC Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Predicted lineup for Al Ain (5-3-2)
Rui Patricio – Kwame Otonne, Marcel Ratnik, Rami Rabia, Facundo Zabala, Abdul Karim Traore – Kaku, Matias Palacios, Pak Yeon Woo – Kodjo Laba, Soufiane Rahimi.
Referee
Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 36;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 31;
Penalties – 30%.
Manchester City vs. Al Ain: Match Prediction
I believe the English side will not follow in the Italians' footsteps by attempting to thrash the Arabs with an embarrassing scoreline. In my opinion, it's more important for the Citizens' manager to see his team gel before the Premier League kicks off. Additionally, the nominal visitors' coach will likely make adjustments after the first round.
I think the UAE representative has a chance to avoid a second heavy defeat at the 2025 Club World Cup. It's worth noting that before facing Juventus, Al Ain had not lost by four or more goals in 22 of their last 23 matches in the AFC Champions League. Moreover, Manchester City hasn't delighted with large victories in their last eight matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup.
My prediction: Al Ain with a handicap (+3)
