Manchester City's Club World Cup campaign kicks off today against Wydad AC in Philadelphia, marking the start of a new era for the club. After a trophy-less season by their standards, Pep Guardiola is eager to integrate new signings and begin the 2025/26 season on a high note.

Team News and Lineups

Manchester City has welcomed several new faces this summer, including Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Marcus Bettinelli. Cherki and Reijnders are set to make their debuts in the starting XI, while Ait-Nouri is on the bench. The absence of Jack Grealish from the squad suggests a potential move away from the club. Bernardo Silva has been named the new club captain. Mateo Kovacic is out with an Achilles injury, and Kyle Walker and James McAtee are not included in the Club World Cup squad. John Stones has traveled with the team but is doubtful due to fitness concerns.

The predicted lineup for Manchester City is: Ederson; Lewis, Reis, Ake, O'Reilly; Reijnders, Foden, Cherki; Savinho, Marmoush, Doku.

Wydad AC, coached by Mohamed Amine Benhachem, qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the 2021/22 CAF Champions League. The team finished third in the Botola Pro 1 league. Wydad AC will be without Omar Al-Somah due to visa issues, Ayoub Bouchta due to fitness, and Hamza Al-Hanouri is doubtful. The South African duo of Thembinkosi Lorch and Cassius Mailula are set to make their Club World Cup debut. Nordin Amrabat, a familiar face to City fans, has joined Wydad after a short stint at Hull City. Mohamed Rayhi was Wydad's top scorer last season with 11 league goals.

The predicted lineup for Wydad AC is: Benabid; Meijers, Moufid, Boutouil, Moufi, Ferreira; Moubarik, Zemraoui; Amrabat, Mailula, Lorch.

New Signings in Focus

Rayan Cherki, a £30m signing from Lyon, is expected to bring versatility to City's attack, capable of playing behind the striker or on the wing. Tijjani Reijnders is set to partner with Phil Foden in midfield, while Rayan Ait-Nouri could feature at left-back later in the match, allowing Josko Gvardiol to play in his preferred center-back role alongside Ruben Dias.

What to Expect

Manchester City is heavily favored to win. The match presents an opportunity for Guardiola to integrate new players and experiment with different combinations. Wydad AC, making their third Club World Cup appearance, will aim to put up a strong fight, but a group stage exit is expected.