Manchester City are on the verge of entering the knockout rounds of the Club World Cup, with a victory against Al Ain from UAE in Atlanta securing their spot in the last 16.
The dominant Premier League side comfortably defeated Wydad Casablanca 2-0 in their previous match, and they are expected to have another easy game against Al Ain, who suffered a heavy 5-0 loss to Juventus in their first game of the tournament.
Team updates
Manager Pep Guardiola will need to make at least one change to the squad due to Rico Lewis' suspension following his red card in the previous match against Wydad.
Although the England international will miss the game, recent signing from Wolves Rayan Ait-Nouri might make his debut for City at left-back.
Al Ain's coach Vladimir Ivic has no new injury or suspension concerns to worry about after their defeat to Juventus.
Facts and figures
Manchester City currently top Fifa's European confederation rankings, while Al Ain sit in 14th place in the Asian rankings.
City have only conceded three goals in their last nine games, managing to keep three clean sheets during that period.
The team has won eight of their last ten matches, with their only defeat coming in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.
Al Ain, 14-time champions in the UAE, qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the 2024 Asian Champions League, marking their second victory in the Asian competition.
Prediction
Manchester City had a comfortable start at the Club World Cup and are expected to have an easy game against Al Ain.
Al Ain suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Juventus in their previous match, with the Italian team leading 4-0 at halftime before sealing the win in the second half.
City have the offensive power to replicate a similar performance and could focus on increasing their goal difference to secure the top spot in the group ahead of Juventus.
Considering this, betting on Manchester City scoring four goals or more could be a worthwhile choice.