Club World Cup Test for Man City’s New-Look XI | OneFootball

Man City vs Wydad AC: Cherki Poised for Debut in Club World Cup Showdown

Spotlight on Cherki’s Arrival

Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of evolution continues, this time with the Club World Cup offering both a title to claim and an opportunity to integrate fresh faces. At the centre of tonight’s fixture against Wydad AC is Rayan Cherki, a £30 million signing from Lyon, who could be handed his debut by Pep Guardiola. The Frenchman arrives with pedigree and potential, having recently featured in the Nations League finals for France, and offers a tactical puzzle that Guardiola will relish solving.

Cherki’s ability to drift between central and wide roles injects further creativity into an already talent-rich attack. His debut may not just be a matter of when, but also where he fits into the broader canvas of City’s positional play. As Guardiola once noted, “Versatility is not a bonus, it’s a requirement,” and in Cherki, he has both the luxury and the challenge of adapting once more.

Ait-Nouri and Gvardiol: Defensive Recalibration

Another new face pushing for involvement is Rayan Ait-Nouri. The Algerian left-back, signed from Wolves, offers natural width on the flank and could free up Josko Gvardiol to return to his preferred central role beside Ruben Dias. This balance will be critical against a Wydad side likely to sit deep and threaten on the break.

Photo: IMAGO

John Stones has travelled but remains a doubt. Having not featured since suffering an injury against Real Madrid in February, his return may be saved for later rounds. With Mateo Kovacic ruled out and Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and James McAtee omitted from the Club World Cup squad, Guardiola’s hand may be forced into testing the depth of his summer recruits.

Midfield Rebuild and Rodri’s Return

There’s cautious optimism surrounding the return of Rodri, back after recovering from an ACL injury that has kept him sidelined since September. The Spaniard could anchor the midfield alongside Tijjani Reijnders, another of City’s summer additions. Reijnders, technically assured and tactically astute, represents a quieter but equally significant piece of this evolving City structure.

Attack Built Around Haaland

Up front, Erling Haaland is expected to lead the line, with Omar Marmoush and Phil Foden likely flanking him. If Cherki does feature, it could be as part of this trio behind the Norwegian forward, a group tasked with not only unlocking Wydad’s defence but also establishing a rhythm and synergy that may define City’s tournament campaign.

City may be favourites, but the Club World Cup has historically resisted predictability. For Guardiola, this is as much about silverware as it is about shaping the next phase of his team’s identity.

Predicted Man City XI: Ederson, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, Reijnders, Cherki, Marmoush, Foden, HaalandInjured: Mateo KovacicDoubt: John StonesKick-off: 5pm BST, Wednesday 18 June 2025Venue: Lincoln Financial FieldHow to watch: Channel 5 and DAZN