Manchester City vs Wydad tips and predictions: Pep to deliver a professional performance

Manchester City state of play 

Manchester City are taking a full strength squad to the US. Announced on 12 June, there’s no room for any current academy players, with Pep Guardiola keen to use his team’s experience to battle for the title in the US.

New signings Rayan Ait Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki are all on the plane, hoping to impress their new boss - and fans - after a disappointing campaign.

Love football? Find the best football betting sites and bet with welcome bonuses today.

Manchester City failed to win a trophy in the 2024/25 season, but this new-look tournament not only offers them an opportunity to rectify that. 

But with $2m on the line for every win, expect the English club to battle hard - no matter who’s in front of them.

Wydad state of play 

First up, Moroccan outfit Wydad. Expected to bow out at the first hurdle, this isn’t a side that will simply roll over under head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem, who has brought stability to the club this season.

Wydad’s success has been built on compact organisation, disciplined transitions and a willingness to exploit spaces that appear. 

Benhachem has embraced the club’s philosophy - but implementing it against one of the best in Europe will be extremely challenging.

Recent friendly defeats against Sevilla and Porto without scoring (1-0) provide us with a strong indication how this match might turn out.

Key talking point: A clean slate for Pep Guardiola’s side

Despite securing third in the Premier League, Manchester City fell well short of their usual high expectations - but a new tournament gives them a chance to immediately right the wrongs of last season.

The three named signings will give Guardiola’s side a new-look, and one they need as they transition away from key members that have served them well for so many years. 

This is an exciting time to be a Manchester City fan, and their curtain raiser against a Moroccan team - albeit that will play with plenty of heart - is the perfect chance to kickstart with a comfortable victory.

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester City vs Wydad

Pick: Manchester City HT/FT and BTTS No at 5/6 (Betway) 

City are the overwhelming favourites that often don’t represent the best short-priced value, but there are ways of getting the Citizens on side without playing the 1x2 market. Pep Guardiola will want his side to dominate from the first whistle and secure the points as early as possible. 

Sadly, Wydad won’t have enough in the final third to trouble City’s back line.

Extra tips 

Despite the influx of signings, it’s obvious that Erling Haaland remains the main man. He’s in the running for the Club World Cup golden ball with a host of big names including 2025 Champions League winner Ousmane Dembele. 

Heading to the Club World Cup after scoring in back-to-back games against Italy and Estonia for Norway, the 24-year-old goalscoring machine is as big as 2/1 to score first.

Pick: Erling Haaland - to score first - 2/1 (Betway)

Team news 

James McAtee and Jack Grealish have both been left in England, with the pair likely to move to new clubs during the summer transfer window. 

Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri has been given a chance to showcase his talents, who’ll be hoping to feature more than he did in the recent FA Cup final.

All eyes will be on Wydad’s forward Mohamed Rayhi - who will be their main hope of scoring in the Club World Cup. 

The 30-year-old was the club’s top goalscorer in 2025, whose experience and movement inside the box will be crucial for the underdogs.

Announced: Premier League 2025/26 season fixtures and odds

Manchester City vs Wydad predicted line-ups 

Manchester City: Ederson; Gvardiol, Ake, Dias, Akanji; Stones, De Bruyne; Silva, Savinho, Foden, Haaland (4-2-3-1) 

Wydad: Benabid; Boucheta, Boutouil, Dairani, Moufi, Mailula, Zemraoui, Moubarik, Lorch, Obeng, Rayhi (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions): 

Manchester City: DWWWWWDLWW

Wydad: LDDWWWLLWL

Responsible gambling with FIRST

You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.

Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.

Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.

Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:

Gamblers Anonymous UK

BeGambleAware

GAMSTOP

National Gambling Support Network

Gamcare

NHS National Gambling Clinic

Odds correct at the time of writing.