Manchester City vs Wydad AC avant-première

• City to win on a -2.0 Asian handicap
• Over 2.5 goals

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup serves up a compelling clash between the 2023 winners of the competition, Manchester City, and Moroccan giants Wydad AC, who return for their third appearance in this revamped format. It’s a meeting that offers a stark contrast in pedigree, with City regarded as one of the pre-tournament favourites while Wydad still search for their maiden win in this competition.

Actualités des matches et forme actuelle

Manchester City arrive in the United States after what many will deem a below-par season by their incredibly high standards. They relinquished their Premier League crown after finishing third, and ended the campaign trophyless for the first time since Pep Guardiola’s debut season in charge back in 2016/17.

While that alone may have cast a shadow over their domestic form, City did at least recover strongly in the final months of the season, losing just once in their final 13 competitive games (W9, D3). That late run should restore some confidence as they embark on another global campaign.

Having lifted this trophy in 2023, City return to the Club World Cup with renewed ambition, and their preparation has been far from passive. The reigning European champions splashed close to £100 million in the summer to bring in exciting talent including Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, the latter of whom has added depth and dynamism to City’s defensive ranks. There’s no doubt that Guardiola views this as an opportunity to return to winning ways and establish City as a dominant global force once again.

Wydad AC, meanwhile, will need to punch well above their weight if they’re to avoid another early exit. The Casablanca-based outfit hold a record 22 domestic league titles in Morocco, but could only finish third in the 2024/25 Botola campaign. Like City, they finished their domestic campaign on a positive note with three consecutive wins, but two defeats in friendlies against Porto and Sevilla during their pre-tournament warm-up may have dampened momentum.

This marks Wydad’s third outing at the Club World Cup, and they’ll be eager to improve upon a disappointing record that reads: three matches played, three defeats. Scoring goals and maintaining defensive shape have both proven to be problems at this level, and another clash against elite European opposition presents yet another stern test.

Historique du face-à-face

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Manchester City and Wydad AC, and the first time teams from England and Morocco have faced each other in the Club World Cup.

Team Insights and Tactical Overview

City’s trademark style under Guardiola is unlikely to change – expect relentless pressing, precise passing, and positional fluidity. The arrival of players like Reijnders and Cherki should further energise their attacking phases, while Aït-Nouri offers versatility down the flank. With City yet to concede a goal in this competition’s history – having beaten Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0 and Fluminense 4-0 in their 2023 title run – it’s safe to assume defensive discipline will once again be a focus.

Guardiola has also been boosted by the return of midfield linchpin Rodri, who featured in just four competitive games during the 2024/25 season due to a long-term ACL injury. His availability adds much-needed control in midfield, and his presence could be vital in setting the tempo against opponents who may look to sit deep and play on the counter.

Wydad typically line up in a structured 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 and rely on strong midfield organisation. However, recent performances have exposed some vulnerabilities when facing higher-tempo opposition. Their attacking hopes rest heavily on Mohamed Rayhi, the club’s top scorer in the league with 11 goals. The Dutch-born forward often makes early contributions, with both of his last two goals opening the scoring before the 20th minute.

Players to Watch

Rayan Cherki could make an immediate impact for City after registering three direct goal contributions (one goal, two assists) in his past three outings for club and country. His flair and creativity offer something different in City’s attacking setup and he may prove decisive in unlocking Wydad’s defence.

Mohamed Rayhi is the standout name for Wydad. With 11 league goals to his name last season, his sharp movement and keen eye for goal make him their primary threat. He has a knack for scoring early and will need to make the most of any limited chances that fall his way.

Hot Stats and Key Trends

• Manchester City have won both of their previous CWC matches to nil (3-0 vs Urawa Red Diamonds, 4-0 vs Fluminense).
• Pep Guardiola has won the Club World Cup four times – joint-most by any manager in the competition’s history.
• Wydad AC failed to win any of their three prior CWC games.
• The Moroccan side drew more matches than any other team in the Botola last season (12).
• Wydad have won four of their last five competitive matches, scoring exactly two goals in each victory.

Odds-Based Prediction

The odds are stacked firmly in City’s favour, and rightly so. Their squad depth, European pedigree, and defensive solidity in past CWC appearances point toward another dominant performance. Wydad may try to frustrate their more illustrious opponents, but if City get on the scoresheet early, the game could open up quickly.

A Manchester City win to nil looks like a safe value bet here, particularly considering their clean sheet streak in this tournament. A handicap bet on City winning by two or more goals could also offer strong value, given the difference in quality and experience.

Prédiction

City are expected to control the match from start to finish, with Guardiola likely rotating only minimally to maintain rhythm. Wydad will show resilience and may offer resistance in the early stages, but class and depth should prevail.

Predicted score: Manchester City 3-0 Wydad AC

For more info on this fixture, you may also visit:
https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/10005/289175/289176/400019187