Manchester City vs Al Ain: Latest City team news and predicted City starting eleven

Manchester City will continue their FIFA World Cup campaign with their second Group G fixture against Al Ain in the early hours of Monday morning (UK time). Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to ensure qualification to the round of 16 by picking up another three points after their 2-nil win over Wydad. Al Ain lost their opening Group G fixture to Juventus. They were dispatched 5-nil by the Serie A giants and will hope to give a better account of themselves at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Here is the latest City team news and my predicted City starting eleven for Monday morning’s match.

Rico Lewis will miss Manchester City’s match with Al Ain due to suspension. Lewis was sent off during the closing stages of Manchester City’s win over Wydad and is subsequently suspended for their second match of the Club World Cup.

As per Pep Guardiola’s update on his squad’s condition, John Stones and Rodri both won’t start against Al Ain. The pair are continuing to work their way back to full fitness. But they could come off the bench during the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Stefan Ortega- Ortega should be given an opportunity to play in goal against Al Ain.

Matheus Nunes- With Rico Lewis suspended, Nunes is almost certain to start at right-back.

Abdukodir Khusanov- The young centre-back needs minutes and should be given the opportunity to start against Al Ain.

Josko Gvardiol- For me, Gvardiol is a certain starter in Manchester City’s defence for their second match of the Club World Cup.

Rayan Ait-Nouri- Ait-Nouri should make his City debut against Al Ain. How he is utilised at left-back will be of great interest.

Nico- One player who needs minutes is Nico. The Spanish midfielder should get the opportunity to start at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Bernardo Silva- I’m expecting Bernardo Silva to start in midfield and will be eager to see how he performs as Manchester City’s captain.

Ilkay Gundogan- With Pep Guardiola set to rotate his squad that should see Gundogan start.

Oscar Bobb- Bobb played well after coming on as a substitute against Wydad. He should start on the right wing against Al Ain.

Claudio Echeverri- I’m expecting Echeverri to make his first start for Manchester City on the left wing.

Erling Haaland- Haaland played 30 minutes against Wydad and will likely start against Al Ain. He’ll be eager to open his Club World Cup account with a goal or two.

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