Manchester City vs Al-Hilal tips and predictions: Can Inzaghi’s new boys upset the reigning champions?

Manchester City state of play

Manchester City were imperious in the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, winning all three matches and scoring 13 goals while conceding just twice. 

They opened with a 2-0 win over Wydad and haven’t looked back, with new signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders both impressing – Reijnders anchoring midfield and Cherki nicking a late goal in the 6-0 demolition of Al Ain. 

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The 5-2 rout of Juventus saw decisive strikes from Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Savinho, showcasing City’s clinical finishing and depth of talent. Cherki’s debut goal and fluid creativity highlight his fit in Pep Guardiola’s set-up. 

Al-Hilal will need a defensive masterpiece to contain City’s multi-layered attack.

Al-Hilal state of play 

Al-Hilal have made it to in the knockout stages of the 2025 Club World Cup with impressive credentials, going unbeaten in Group H under new coach Simone Inzaghi. 

After holding Real Madrid to a controlled 1-1 draw – featuring impressive tactical organisation and a composed penalty from Ruben Neves – they beat Pachuca 2-0.

Read: What does double chance mean in betting?

The Saudi side conceded just once across three games, the joint-best defensive record in the group stage alongside PSG and Monterrey. 

Inzaghi hailed his side’s unity and ambition, stating, “We were not coming here just to have fun, we were coming to play a World Cup and we wanted to reach this stage.” 

With Al-Hilal’s midfield cohesion and defensive resilience on full display, they face City as genuine underdogs capable of testing Guardiola’s side.

Key talking point: City’s fearsome frontline

City’s 6-0 demolition of Al Ain featured a brace from Ilkay Gundogan, a free-kick goal by debutant Claudio Echeverri, a penalty from Erling Haaland and one apiece from Oscar Bobb and new signing Rayan Cherki – showcasing the sheer depth and variance of talent they possess in attack. 

Cherki, signed from Lyon, has immediately impressed with his composure and technical flair. While Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has anchored the midfield, adding balance and forward thrust following his £47 million move from AC Milan. 

Their 5-2 rout of Juventus emphasised their fluid, multi-layered attack and City’s blend of elite attacking options and tactical versatility poses a mammoth challenge for Al-Hilal. 

The Saudis must achieve near-perfect defensive discipline to contain this rampant attacking force.

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester City vs Al-Hilal

Haaland bagged his 300th career goal in City’s 5-2 thrashing of Juventus. The Norwegian scoring cyborg is arguably the most feared striker on the planet and is priced at an inviting 13/5 with Betway to score two or more goals against Al-Hilal.

Pick: Erling Haaland to score two or more goals - 13/5 (Betway)

Extra tips

As frightening as City look of late, Al-Hilal proved they are no pushovers in the group stage and Inzaghi is one of the best tacticians in the game. 

Read: How are football margins and probabilities are calculated?

If you fancy them to back up their headline-grabbing draw with Real Madrid by making City sweat, they are 13/5 with Betway to either win or secure a draw after 90 minutes.

Pick: Al Hilal on the double chance - 13/5 (Betway)

Team news

Argentinian wonderkid Echeverri started his City career with a bang by scoring against Al Ain, but an injury picked up against Juventus in the group-stage closer means the 19-year-old could miss the rest of the tournament.

Al-Hilal lost captain Salem Al-Dawsari to a hamstring injury against Pachuca and he is set to be out for up to six weeks. 

Star full-back Joao Cancelo, however, will be one of the standout names recognisable to Premier League audiences as he prepares to take on his former employers.

Manchester City vs Al-Hilal predicted line-ups 

Manchester City: Ederson; Nunes, Khusanov, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Gonzalez, Gundogan; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland (4-2-3-1)

Al-Hilal: Bono; Cancelo, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; N. Al-Dawsari, Neves, Kanno; Milinkovic-Savic; Malcom, Leonardo (4-3-3) 

Form guide 

Manchester City: LWWWWW 

Al-Hilal: WLWDDW

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Odds correct at the time of writing.