Manchester City will take on Al Ain this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, in the second round of the Club World Cup. A win would put City in a strong position to secure an early spot in the Round of 16. After a 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca, the English side lead Group G and come into the match with confidence and a refreshed lineup, as Pep Guardiola has confirmed he plans to rotate all his starters. On the other side, Al Ain are trying to regroup after suffering a 5-0 defeat to Juventus in their opening match.
A win means qualification and less physical strain
For City, the math is straightforward. With three points already in hand, another win would put them at the top of the group, and they could clinch qualification as early as Sunday, depending on the result between Juventus and Wydad Casablanca. If Juventus don’t lose, City would be through with a game to spare. That scenario would allow Guardiola to rest key players in the final group match and better manage the squad's energy heading into the knockout stage.
The Catalan coach has confirmed a full lineup change for the Al Ain game. It’s part of a planned rotation for a squad coming off an intense season and still facing a long road ahead. Players like Rúben Dias and Gvardiol, who were rested in the opener, are expected to start. The one confirmed absence is fullback Rico Lewis, who is suspended after being sent off in the first match. Even with several changes, Guardiola trusts his group to get the job done.
Al Ain need at least a point to stay alive
After being routed by Juventus, Al Ain come into this match under pressure. That loss exposed the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, and the gap in quality between the squads was clear. Now they need at least a draw to keep their hopes of advancing alive going into the final round of group play.
Coach Vladimir Ivic is expected to stick with a defensive setup, trying to hold off City’s attack and capitalize on the few counterattacks they may get. The problem is, Al Ain don’t have many options to change that plan. The squad lacks depth, and the margin for error against a team like City is razor thin.
A rematch with a different meaning
This isn’t the first time these two clubs have met. Back in 2014, Manchester City faced Al Ain in a friendly and won 3-0. That match didn’t carry much weight, but it still highlighted the difference in level between the sides. Since then, City have grown into one of the world’s top clubs, winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup. Al Ain, meanwhile, remain a strong team within their region but haven’t made much of an impact internationally.
Now, they meet again, but under very different circumstances. There’s much more at stake this time, and the goals are clearer. City want to lock in their spot in the next round as early as possible. Al Ain are simply fighting to stay in the competition.