A look at how Manchester City could line up against Al Hilal as they look to make the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup
Manchester City celebrate vs Juventus
Manchester City celebrate vs Juventus
Manchester City approach a critical point in their Club World Cup journey as the knockout stages begin. The Blues take on Al Hilal in the last-16 hoping to book a quarter-final spot against either Fluminense or Inter.
Pep Guardiola made clear at the beginning that all of his squad would have to be involved in the games given they are getting reduced rest this summer. As much as this tournament matters, the Premier League and Champions League that follow are more important - particularly after the drop in standards last season.
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may have reinforced fitness concerns as he took a swipe at the very premise of the tournament in an interview this week. As he warned: "I have serious fears, that players will suffer injuries they've never had before next season. If not next season, then it will happen at the World Cup or afterwards."
At the same time, the manner of the performance in the 5-2 win over Juventus will have heightened belief that City really can go all the way in this tournament. They are on the gentler side of the draw and Guardiola said it had been a long, long time since they had played as well as they did in Orlando on Thursday.
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As much as rotation will be needed again, there will be a temptation to stick with many of the players who were so good against Juventus. Some of those decisions are easier, with Rico Lewis still suspended and Claudio Echeverri injured, but many are not.
Barring the unlikely event that John Stones is fit to start, Matheus Nunes looks a good should to continue at right-back after making two goals against Juventus. Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol can come back in, which will mean moving Rayan Ait-Nouri and Manu Akanji out.
Ederson was at fault for Juventus's opener but his distribution was excellent in the second half, while Stefan Ortega spoke afterwards about his future not being settled, so who starts in goal should be telling. I'd always be tempted to stick with the No.1.
It feels like a step too far for Rodri to start two games in a row, and Nico Gonzalez needs to play if he is to settle in the side. Tijjani Reijnders looked too good not to start again and Phil Foden can come back in after a goal off the bench.
Rayan Cherki also had a lively cameo and previously linked well with Erling Haaland, so those two can have more time to build what could be an exciting partnership. Player of the tournament so far for City has probably been Jeremy Doku, who should be backed to continue his excellent form.
Predicted XI: Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
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