Manchester City’s Club World Cup campaign has so far gone according to plan. Three wins from three has seen the Blues cruise into the last 16, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two, both of those coming against Juventus in the last group match.
The Blues have also been playing the kind of football that the faithful have got used to under the Pep Guardiola era, but they have also seen a resurgence of some key players. Jeremy Doku has a new lease of life, Savinho has come alive and Phil Foden is looking at getting back to his City best. Erling Haaland is not only finding the net again but also playing the kind of passes that you would expect from the likes of Kevin de Bruyne.
Juventus FC v Manchester City FC: Group G - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Photo by Marc Guelber/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
The way they systematically took Juve apart on Thursday was a million miles from the performance in December, when the faltering Blues laboured to a 2-0 defeat in Turin during their Champions League clash.
And Tuesday’s match against Al-Hilal could see the Blues reach the last eight of FIFA’s summer competition, but, while the Blues are favourites to progress, it will be far from easy against a team that oozes Premier League quality.
Al-Hilal - The Opposition
While the Saudi Pro League has gained some headlines in the last couple of years following the influx of some of the world’s top players, Al-Hilal have actually been around since 1967, nine years before the Pro League was founded.
Whilst the vast majority of players for the club are Saudi born, Al-Hilal have seen several ex-Premier League stars join their ranks, including one in particular he Blues fans will instantly recognise.
After a loan spell at Bayern Munich, and a season-long loan at Barcelona, Joao Cancelo joined Al-Hilal on a permanent contract in August 2024 for a reported fee of £21m. He has made 37 appearances for the Saudi club, scoring twice.
Al Hilal v CF Pachuca: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Aleksander Mitrovic, formerly of Newcastle and Fulham, joined a year earlier in 2023 as did former Wolves midfielder and one-time City target Ruben Neves and former Chelsea midfielder and ex-Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly.
Best Bets
The Blues are firm favourites to claim a place in the last eight of the Club World Cup, but cup competitions can often throw up some surprises. With that in mind, it may be worth looking at some of the odds from Fanduel. While they show City as favourites to progress, there are many other options that you can take. Here’s how you can take advantage of some favourable odds.
Juventus FC v Manchester City FC: Group G - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
City scored early in all of their three matches so far but from a variety of players. Who will score first on Tuesday morning and how soon? With 13 goal so far, City will no doubt be looking to add to their tally. Check out the odds on City scoring more than four again, like they have done twice already. At +245, it may be worth a shot.
Prediction
City have taken this competition by the scruff of its neck and firmly demonstrated that, after a disappointing, trophyless season, they are back in contention for major honours. After taking Juve apart so ruthlessly, I can’t see anything but a City victory.
Prediction: City 4-1 Al-Hilal