Match Preview for Manchester City v Al Hilal
Both Manchester City and Al Hilal arrive in Orlando unbeaten, but only one can reach the quarter-finals when they face off in Monday’s last-16 encounter in the Club World Cup.
City have been in devastating form, cruising through Group G with maximum points and finishing with the tournament’s best goal difference.
Al Hilal, meanwhile, progressed from Group H after a gritty group-stage showing, taking second place behind Real Madrid.
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides, and it should make for a brilliant game, despite Pep Guardiola’s comments suggesting the competition could “destroy” clubs.
Team News for Manchester City v Al Hilal
Manchester City have a few fitness concerns ahead of the knockout tie. Claudio Echeverri suffered an ankle injury in training and looks set to miss the rest of the tournament.
Rico Lewis remains suspended, serving the final game of a three-match ban, while Mateo Kovacic continues his recovery from Achilles surgery.
The big boost, however, is the return of Erling Haaland, who scored his 300th career goal in the last match. The Norwegian striker is likely to lead the line, with Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku offering support in attack.
Al Hilal suffered a major blow in their final group game as captain Salem Al-Dawsari limped off with a hamstring injury that could sideline him for six weeks.
In his absence, manager Simone Inzaghi may opt for a more conservative setup, possibly starting Mohamed Kanno to strengthen midfield.
Former City full-back Joao Cancelo is expected to start against his old club, while ex-Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly anchors the backline.
Expected Line-ups for Manchester City v Al Hilal
Manchester City: Ederson; Nunes, Khusanov, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Al Hilal:Bono; Cancelo, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; Al-Dawsari, Neves, Kanno; Milinkovic-Savic; Malcom, Leonardo
How to Watch Manchester City v Al Hilal: TV Channel, Online Stream
The game will be available to watch on DAZN, but also on Channel 5 for viewers in the UK. It will kick-off at 02:00 on Tuesday morning.
The Stats for Manchester City v Al Hilal
- First-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs
- Manchester City topped Group G with 9 points
- Al Hilal placed second in Group H with 5 points
Prediction
Al Hilal have shown quality throughout the group phase and won’t make things easy. However, Manchester City’s depth and firepower are likely to be the difference.
With Erling Haaland in form and creative threats throughout midfield, City should have enough to reach the quarter-finals.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-1 Al Hilal
