Manchester City have won all three FIFA Club World Cup matches they've played, scoring nine goals and conceding zero. As for Al Ain, they were Club World Cup runners-up in 2018, dumping out Team Wellington, Espérance de Tunis and River Plate en route, albeit they've now lost back-to-back games at the competition, shipping nine goals.
Manchester City vs Al Ain preview
Will Manchester City make it back-to-back wins to start their Club World Cup campaign, thereby booking their place in the knockout stages? On Wednesday, the Sky Blues swatted aside Wydad Casablanca in Pennsylvania, with Phil Foden breaking the deadlock inside just two minutes, before Jérémy Doku made the point secure on the cusp of half time, firing home in Philadelphia.
The Citizens won this competition for the very first time in December 2023, while Pep Guardiola is the most-successful manager in the tournament's history, having picked up the trophy on four occasions to date. Thus, Man City have to be considered amongst the favourites to go all the way this summer, and a win here would book their place in the last 16, ahead of Thursday's meeting with Juventus.
As for Al Ain, well... after a nightmare start to their campaign, they could be forgiven for fearing the worst at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The record, 14-times UAE champions were demolished 5-0 by Juventus in Washington DC, 4-0 down by the break, and going onto suffer the most emphatic defeat in the club's entire 57-year history.
Having finished fifth in this year's UAE Pro League, very little was expected of Vladimir Ivić's side at this Club World Cup, but Al Ain are now in danger of becoming the tournament's whipping boys. Thus, it's pretty much a question of how many will Manchester City in Atlanta on Sunday night?
Manchester City vs Al Ain head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Manchester City team news
Rico Lewis' red card late on in Philadelphia means he is suspended. Pep Guardiola picked a somewhat surprising lineup against Wydad AC, featuring Vitor Reis and Nico O'Reilly, while neither fit again Rodri nor Erling Braut Håland started, albeit both came on during the second half.
Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki both made their Man City debuts from the start on Wednesday, while Rayan Aït-Nouri will be hoping to make his maiden appearance in Sky Blue at some stage.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Al Ain: (4-3-3): Ederson; Nunes, Vitor Reis, Aké, O'Reilly; Reijnders, Foden, Cherki, Savinho, Doku; Marmoush.
Manchester City player to watch vs Al Ain
Erling Braut Håland has netted 31 goals this season to date, so will the Norwegian striker net at the Club World Cup for the very first time?
Al Ain team news
Rui Patrício made his Al Ain debut in goal against Juventus, very much thrown into the deep end, but the veteran should expect another busy evening's work here too. Vladimir Ivić deployed a back five for that one but, in truth, a back 15 wouldn't have helped!
Al Ain predicted lineup vs Manchester City: (5-3-2): Patrício; Jašić, Autonne, Rabia, Ratnik, Zabala; Park Yong-woo, Palacios, Kaku; Laba, Rahimi.
Al Ain player to watch vs Manchester City
Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba is Al Ain's main man for goals, having scored 22 times this season, netting 140 times in 181 appearances for the club.
Manchester City vs Al Ain prediction
As alluded to throughout, we cannot se beyond a resounding Manchester City victory in Georgia, with Pep Guardiola's team set to steamroller Al Ain in Atlanta: Manchester City 4-0 Al Ain.
Manchester City vs Al Ain FAQs - FIFA Club World Cup
How to watch Manchester City vs Al Ain FIFA Club World Cup game on TV channel?
Manchester City vs Al Ain FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Channel 5 and DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Manchester City vs Al Ain FIFA Club World Cup game on live streaming?
Manchester City vs Al Ain FIFA Club World Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: My5 and DAZN UK
- USA: TNT Sports, TUDN and DAZN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester City vs Al Ain in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Manchester City vs Al Ain takes place on Sunday 22 June 2025, with kick off at 2:00am (BST), 21:00 (EDT) & 18:00 (PDT).