Confirmed for Club World Cup Two players return from injury, Erling Haaland and Foden to Start

Manchester City travel to Orlando for one of their most unusual, challenging, and potentially season-defining matches of the year: a Club World Cup knockout tie against Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia. On the surface, City are strong favourites. They are the reigning European champions, they have a world-class squad, and they recently humiliated Juventus in their last game. But this is no easy trip. It’s a fixture in stifling Florida heat at a strange time in the calendar, against a motivated opponent, with Pep Guardiola fighting to manage a thin squad, injuries, suspensions, and fatigue that is beginning to cast a shadow over their season.

This is the full story of City’s preparation, predicted line-up, confirmed news, injury issues, tactical debates, and the real threat posed by Al-Hilal. It is also a look at the bigger picture: why Guardiola is worried about this competition and what is at stake for Manchester City as they seek another trophy but also try to avoid wrecking next season.

For Guardiola and his squad, this Club World Cup has been both a chance for glory and a major headache. Traditionally played in December, the tournament is being held unusually late this year, running just weeks after the gruelling Premier League season ended. Many City players are carrying knocks or simply exhausted after a long campaign in which they fought on multiple fronts. Some are returning from serious injuries. And now, instead of resting ahead of pre-season, they are in the Florida heat preparing for a clash that could stretch them even further.

Guardiola has been open about his fears. He has described the tournament as “destroying us” – not out of disrespect for the competition, but out of genuine concern that his squad cannot keep this pace up. He has talked about the impact on their preparation for next season, saying the Club World Cup offers no real off-season rest period. And while City obviously want to win it – it’s a chance to become “world champions” and complete the club’s trophy cabinet – the price may be high in terms of injuries and burnout

City’s opponents are Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League giants. This is not a team to dismiss. They are unbeaten in the Club World Cup so far, with a strong group-stage campaign that included a battling draw against Real Madrid. They have big-name players, a very strong work ethic, and the motivation of representing the booming Saudi league on the global stage.

For Guardiola, this is no time for complacency. Al-Hilal’s squad features a mix of experienced internationals and younger talents, and they will see City as the ultimate scalp. The heat and humidity of Orlando will be more familiar to Al-Hilal’s players than to City’s, and this could be a leveller on the night.

The main question for City fans ahead of this match is who will start. Guardiola has always been famous for rotation, but this tournament has forced his hand even more than usual. With key injuries and suspensions, plus the physical demands of playing in Florida’s heat, he must balance the need to win now with the need to avoid more injuries before next season.

City’s last match – a statement 5-2 win over Juventus – showed the squad’s depth but also highlighted the pressures they face: Rodri made his long-awaited return from an ACL injury that had kept him out for ten months. He lasted just over an hour. Guardiola will be cautious about starting him twice in a week. Erling Haaland was benched against Juventus but came on to score. He is likely to start this time, providing City with their main goal threat.

The wide attacking positions are competitive. Jeremy Doku and Savinho both scored against Juventus. Phil Foden also scored after coming off the bench. Guardiola must choose between form and freshness.

In midfield, İlkay Gundoğan replaced Rodri and may get the nod to start here, while other options include Tijjani Reijnders, who has already racked up big minutes in the group stage.At the back, City have issues at full-back and in central defence. Rico Lewis is suspended, Rayan Ait-Nouri may need a rest, and Guardiola is expected to make changes to avoid fatigue

The biggest confirmed absence is Claudio Echeverri. The talented youngster is out for the rest of the tournament after getting injured on matchday two. Guardiola confirmed he would not return. Meanwhile, Rico Lewis serves the final game of his suspension. He was sent off at the start of the group stage and received an extra two-game ban. That forces Guardiola to be creative at right-back.

Otherwise, there are no new injuries reported since the Juventus game – which is welcome news given the schedule. But match fitness is an issue for many returning players, and Guardiola has repeatedly warned that pushing them too hard now could lead to problems down the road, So what will Guardiola do? Predicting his XI is famously difficult. But the clues suggest the following

Goalkeeper: Ederson is likely to keep his place. Ortega is a solid deputy, but Guardiola tends to trust Ederson in big knockout games.

Right-back: Matheus Nunes has been Guardiola’s surprise choice here. Naturally a midfielder, he has filled in due to Lewis’s suspension and may continue if City stay with four at the back.

Centre-backs:Rúben Dias is almost undroppable in big games, but he played a full 90 against Juventus. Nathan Aké could come in to provide fresh legs, perhaps replacing Manuel Akanji. Guardiola might also consider youth options like Vitor Reis or Abdukodir Khusanov, but would he risk them in a knockout? Left-back: Rayan Ait-Nouri has played heavy minutes. Josko Gvardiol was on the bench against Juventus and may come in to rest Ait-Nouri.

Midfield: If Rodri is not ready for two games in a week after his ACL lay-off, İlkay Gundoğan could start at the base. Tijjani Reijnders and Nico González are other options, with González perhaps the safer choice if Guardiola wants more defensive cover.