Manchester City vs Al Ain predictions: Citizens set to show no mercy
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- Manchester City have won eight of their last 10 matches
- Only Auckland City (10-0) were beaten by a bigger margin than Al Ain in their opener
- Recommended bet: Over 3.5 Manchester City goals
The knockout stages of the Club World Cup lie in wait for Manchester City, who can book their place in the last 16 if they beat UAE's Al Ain in Atlanta.
The Premier League powerhouses had little to worry about in a routine 2-0 success over Wydad Casablanca and they will be expected to have another stress-free 90 minutes against Al Ain, who were thumped 5-0 by Juventus in their tournament opener.
Team news
Citizens boss Pep Guardiola will have to make at least one change from the opening win over Wydad following Rico Lewis' dismissal in the 2-0 victory.
The England international serves a one-match ban, but recent recruit from Wolves Rayan Ait-Nouri could be in line to make his City debut at left-back.
Al Ain head coach Vladimir Ivic has no new injury concerns or suspensions to contend following their 5-0 opening defeat against Juventus.
The stats
Manchester City are number one in Fifa's European confederation rankings, whereas Al Ain are only 14th on the Asian list.
City have conceded only three goals in their last nine matches, keeping three clean sheets in that time.
The Citizens have won eight of their last 10 matches, with their only defeat coming against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Their opponents Al Ain are 14-time champions of the UAE and qualified for the Club World Cup courtesy of their victory in the 2024 Asian Champions League, the second time they have been crowned champions of Asia.
Prediction
City did not have to get out of second gear to open their account at the Club World Cup and another stroll is on the cards for the Citizens against Al Ain.
The Emirati side had five goals put past them by Juventus on Thursday, when the Italian giants were four goals to the good at half-time.
Juve did what they had to in the second period, wrapping up the scoring in the 58th minute before seeing the game out as they pleased.
It could have easily been much worse for Al Ain and City undoubtedly have the attacking might to do something similar in Atlanta.
Goal difference is likely to have a bearing on whether they or their final group opponents Juventus top the section, so there is an incentive for City to keep their foot on the throttle at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With that in mind, odds against quotes about the Premier League side scoring four times could be worth taking a chance on.
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