Manchester City vs Wydad AC: Latest City injury news and predicted City starting eleven

Manchester City begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign today with their opening Group G fixture against Wydad AC at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Club World Cup represents a new beginning for Pep Guardiola’s side. The lessons from the 24/25 season have been learned and the 25/26 campaign gets underway for Manchester City today. Here is the latest City injury news and my predicted City starting eleven ahead of today’s match.

Latest City injury news.

The only player unavailable for the FIFA Club World Cup due to injury for Manchester City is Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian midfielder is ruled out of the tournament after having surgery on an Achilles issue at the end of last season.

In terms of Manchester City’s 27-man travelling squad, every player is available for selection. Phil Foden looks to have a spring in his step again, and the mood at Manchester City’s training camp in Boca Raton, Florida has appeared to be a vibrant one. Ahead of today’s match, it will be interesting to see if any of Manchester City’s four new signings start against Wydad AC. Pep Guardiola told the media yesterday that all of his squad will play in the United States. It will be interesting to see who starts today in Philadelphia.

Predicted Manchester City starting eleven.

Ederson: It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Stefan Ortega start in goal but I’ll give the nod to Ederson for City’s opening Club World Cup fixture.

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Rico Lewis: It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Matheus Nunes start at right-back, but I’m expecting Lewis to start today.

Manuel Akanji: If Ruben Dias is eased into the tournament after his summer efforts with Portugal, I expect Manuel Akanji to start at centre-back today.

Josko Gvardiol: With Rayan Ait-Nouri’s arrival from Wolves we should see Josko Gvardiol move to centre-back. He should start there today.

Rayan Ait-Nouri: The Algerian international’s arrival at Manchester City finally gives Pep Guardiola a proper left-back to utilise. Hopefully, he starts today against Wydad AC.

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Nico: I’d be surprised if Rodri started today so I’m expecting Nico to start in midfield.

Tijjani Reijnders: The Dutch international has impressed during Manchester City’s training camp. He figures to be an important player for City so he should start today.

Rayan Cherki: The French international is arguably Manchester City’s most exciting signing for some time. I’m hoping he starts in the number ten role today to begin his Manchester City career.

Oscar Bobb: Bobb should hopefully be fit to start against Wydad AC. He will be eager to make up for lost time and that process may begin today if he starts on the right wing.

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Omar Marmoush: Marmoush figures to be a key player for Manchester City at the Club World Cup. He should start today’s match.

Erling Haaland: I’m expecting Erling Haaland to start up front for Pep Guardiola’s side. He is one of City’s leaders and he could lead the way for his team today against Wydad AC.