Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are set to begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign by facing Mohamed Amine Benhachem’s Wydad Casablanca. The match kicks off at 12 PM local time, whereas it is 9:30 PM for the Indian viewers, while the date is 18th June. There are many top players to watch in the Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca game, which will be played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
After a tough season for the English side, Manchester City, Pep, and his boys will wish to finish the season on top by getting their hands on the trophy. After Kevin De Bruyne’s departure, let’s see who Pep gives that role to. They have made some excellent signings to strengthen their squad.
The Moroccan side has finished in third place in their league this season. They are the most successful team in the history of the top division of Moroccan football.
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Top Players to Watch: Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca
It is undoubtedly a lot tougher to name just two players from Manchester City to watch out for in the game. The team comprises ballers of all the positions on the field. Surely, there are a lot of interesting players in the Wydad Casablanca team as well.
Manchester City
Erling Haaland
The Norwegian striker is fully committed to Manchester City as Erling Haaland signed a new nine-year contract with them. Basically, he has shown us what he can do since the day he joined Manchester City.
His shot power, hold-up play, and aerial ability are among the best in the world right now. A clinical finisher and proper number nine, every team dreams of having in their name.
Rayan Cherki
He is one of the new signings that Manchester City has made before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup. Rayan Cherki will most probably start the game and will take Kevin De Bruyne’s playing position.
There is no pressure on the youngster, but he surely has a lot to offer to the team. He was destined to play for a big European club someday, and we are here.
Wydad Casablanca
Nordin Amrabat
One of the most experienced players on the team is Nordin Amrabat. The right winger has played for teams such as PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray, and Watford.
He is the perfect man for counterattacks and is an excellent carrier of the ball. His high work rate in the team is unmatched and often helps his defender by tracking back.
Cassius Mailula
The young South African forward may not start the game, but can surely create an impact off the bench. Cassius Mailula had a cracker of a season in the South African league, where he scored 15 goals and seven assists.
In 2023, he also won the PSL Young Player of the Year. This helped him earn a place on the Moroccan side, Wydad Casablanca.
Predicted lineups
When we look at the squads of both teams, Manchester City looks a more complete team and can easily get past their opponents. Wydad Casablanca’s defence needs to be on their toes facing this Manchester City attack.
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Manchester City expected XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper – Ederson
Defenders – Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, and Ait Nouri
Midfielder – Reijnders and Rodri
Attackers – Silva, Marmoush, Cherki, and Haaland
Wydad Casablanca expected XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper – Benabid
Defenders – Nassik, Boutouil, Dairani and Moufid
Midfielder – Zemraoui, Moubarik, and Moutaraji
Attackers – Rayhi, Obeng, and Amrabat
Betting tips
- Tip 1 – Manchester City to score more than three goals
Looking at the players this City team has, it is fair to say we can see a lot of goals in this match. Wydad Casablanca’s defence will have to bring the best of them to stop the City players, but it seems Manchester City are too good to be stopped.
- Tip 2 – Manchester City to win
Manchester City are the favourites and will surely win the match. Pep’s team, which is retaining its core, will splash some new signings in the starting eleven. We can expect City to score four or even five goals in the game.
