Man City are getting ready to face Al Ain in the Club World Cup, and Pep Guardiola is planning to make several changes to the team’s starting eleven for the second group match.
The Spanish coach said that Man City’s lineup against Al Ain will look very different from the one that faced Wydad. He explained that he wants to bring in up to 10 fresh players, including youngsters and others who didn’t get much time last season. His main aim is to rest the key players who started the last game.
Guardiola has 27 players in the squad during their training camp in the United States, including three goalkeepers. He wants to give minutes to all 24 outfield players across various roles before the knockout round, which will need full match fitness.
But with only five substitutions allowed per match, Pep must plan carefully. He wants to rotate the entire squad and try out a completely new lineup compared to the one that played against Wydad.
These changes should refresh the team, especially since the temperatures in Atlanta are very high. The coaching staff are trying to avoid fatigue and injuries by rotating wisely during this stage of the tournament.
Ait-Nouri set to start, Marmoush likely to stay on bench
One of the biggest updates from the Man Evening News is that Algerian left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is expected to start. He stayed on the bench against Wydad but now looks set to play a full match at left-back.
Matheus Nunez will come in at right-back, replacing suspended Rico Lewis. In central defence, Gusanov and Gvardiol will play as the centre-backs, aiming to keep things tight at the back.
In midfield, Guardiola plans to start young talent Nico Gonzalez in a deep role next to Ilkay Gundogan, the team’s former captain. Argentine Claudio Echeverri will play as the main playmaker.
Up front, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland will lead the line after playing only a few minutes in the first game. Oscar Bob will join him in attack, and Bernardo Silva, who will wear the captain’s armband, is also expected to start his first match of the competition. Egyptian winger Omar Marmoush will most likely stay on the bench.
Expected Man City Lineup vs Al Ain in 2025 Club World Cup
Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega
Defenders: Matheus Nunez – Abdulkadir Husanov – Josko Gvardiol – Rayan Ait-Nouri
Midfielders: Nico Gonzalez – Ilkay Gundogan – Claudio Echeverri
Forwards: Bernardo Silva – Oscar Bob – Erling Haaland
