Man City vs Al Ain: Free Club World Cup tips, predictions, where to watch and bet builder

With Phil Foden finding the net early and Jeremy Doku impressing with a second, City barely needed to get out of second gear. A late red card for Rico Lewis was the only blemish on an otherwise smooth performance.

Al-Ain, on the other hand, looked out of their depth in a 5-0 thrashing by Juventus. Juve were four up by the break, with the likes of Kolo Muani and Kenan Yildiz running riot. Unless something dramatic changes, it’s hard to see Al-Ain stopping Pep Guardiola’s side from chalking up another win.

Erling Haaland is expected to return to the starting XI and could run riot if he finds space against the shaky backline that collapsed against Juve. The Norwegian hitman was in sharp form over the international break, scoring in both of Norway’s recent outings.

City have now won 10 of their last 13 matches in all competitions, and while Guardiola may rotate, they should still have far too much for the UAE side. We expect them to get the job done early and then ease off with one eye on the group decider against Juventus.

We’ve pulled together some of the best value picks for Man City v Al-Ain and combined them into a six-leg bet builder returning odds of around 45/1.

Man City v Al-Ain Bet Builder

Man City -1 handicap

Under 3.5 total goals

Phil Foden anytime scorer

Erling Haaland to score or assist

Over 5.5 first-half corners 

Al-Ain over 1.5 cards

Man City -1 handicap

City rarely lose focus in these types of games. They’ve covered a -1 line in seven of their last ten wins and face an Al-Ain team that conceded five against Juventus and only registered one shot on target.

Even with rotation, City should have far too much in every department.

Under 3.5 total goals

City were 2-0 up at the break against Wydad and coasted through the second half. Expect a similar pattern here: quick goals, followed by a professional performance and perhaps a few early substitutions.

With eyes on tougher fixtures ahead, City might not go for the jugular after taking the lead.

Phil Foden anytime scorer

Back among the goals and looking sharp, Foden opened the scoring last time out and played with freedom. If he starts again, he’ll be one of the biggest threats in attack and should find plenty of space to exploit.

Erling Haaland to score or assist

Haaland scored 42 times for club and country last season and found the net during Norway’s recent internationals. If he’s back in the starting XI, he’ll be licking his lips against a defence that couldn’t handle Juve’s second string.

Over 5.5 first-half corners

City racked up seven first-half corners against Wydad and like to dominate territory early. Al-Ain may sit deep but that only invites pressure and corners. Expect a flurry in the opening 45.

Al-Ain over 1.5 cards

City drew 10 fouls in their opener, and opponents have picked up at least two bookings in 11 of City’s last 14 matches. With Al-Ain likely chasing shadows again, frustration could spill into yellow territory.

Where to watch Man City v Al-Ain

This FIFA Club World Cup 2025 clash kicks off Sunday at 8pm BST and will be shown live on Channel 5 and DAZN.

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