KLIK SAJA - Three of Manchester City’s four new summer signings are expected to make their competitive debuts in the Club World Cup Group G opener against Moroccan side Wydad AC on Wednesday in Philadelphia.
Pep Guardiola’s squad has been bolstered by the arrivals of Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Marcus Bettinelli.
However, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, and Reijnders are all likely to make their first appearances in the sky blue shirt and could even start from the kickoff.
Even so, trying to predict Guardiola’s starting lineup for an opener like this remains nearly impossible.
Interestingly, this match marks a significant debut for Tijjani Reijnders, a player of Indonesian descent, who is being touted as Guardiola’s new key man in midfield following his transfer from AC Milan.
Ait-Nouri will likely form part of a youthful defensive line alongside Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis, and Josko Gvardiol, although Vitor Reis is also hoping for some long-awaited minutes in front of goalkeeper Ederson.
Mateo Kovacic has stayed home due to a heel injury, paving the way for Nico Gonzalez to partner Reijnders in midfield — a pairing seen as part of Guardiola’s long-term vision.
Meanwhile, the futures of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan remain uncertain.
Cherki, a versatile attacker, is capable of playing on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder.
However, the former Lyon prodigy is expected to line up on the right, with Phil Foden operating through the middle.
On the left, Jeremy Doku is tipped to win the starting spot, while Erling Haaland — possibly eyeing the Golden Boot — is set to spearhead the attack.
Tough times often shape tough characters, and City fans will be hoping that’s the case for Guardiola and his squad, who will want to forget the 2024–25 season as quickly as possible.
The Community Shield was the only silverware Man City claimed last season.
The Citizens surrendered the Premier League title to Liverpool without much of a fight, were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid’s dominance, and suffered a painful FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace.
