Manchester City v Al Hilal: Club World Cup preview

Manchester City endured a difficult season both domestically and in Europe but are showing signs of having got their mojo back at the Club World Cup.

The Citizens conceded their Premier League title to a dominant Liverpool side, while in the UEFA Champions League they were beaten in the knockout phase play-offs by Real Madrid.

However, boosted by three new signings, they are starting to click in the USA, having won three out of three to top Group G, being the only side in the tournament with a perfect record.

Opponents and Saudi Pro League runners-up Al Hilal went unbeaten as they finished second in Group H behind Real Madrid and have a number of experienced performers from European football, including former City wing-back Joao Cancelo.

Manchester City v Al Hilal betting preview

Having been so far from their best this season, the Citizens have certainly been perked up by the signings of Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders, beating Wydad 2-0 in their opener, before sweeping aside Al Ain 6-0 and then thumping Juventus 5-2.

The return to action of key defensive midfielder Rodri has also made a difference, even if the Spanish ace is not yet ready to feature for a full 90 minutes.

Coach Pep Guardiola started with Omar Marmoush as the lone attacker against Juve, but Erling Haaland came on to score for the second game in a row, while Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden also found the net in two of the three group games.

And Guardiola was clearly delighted with the performance against Juve, saying: "The players have to realise what we have to do to back what we were the last decade."

He felt that the victory over the Italian giants was a major step in the right direction and will want to see more of the same against the Saudis, who are now managed by former Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi.

Haaland is 1.53 to score for the third game in a row, while impressive former Lyon playmaker Cherki is 3.25 to provide an assist and 1.66 to either score or assist.

Al-Dawsari absence a huge setback

Al Hilal head into this massive last-16 clash having been hit by a major injury blow, with captain Salem Al-Dawsari sidelined for the rest of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.

The 33-year-old forward scored the opener in the crucial 2-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca in the final round of group games, but had to be replaced 14 minutes from time and has now been ruled out for at least four weeks.

Al-Dawsari's absence is an even bigger blow if star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic continues to sit out, having missed the whole of the group stage due to a calf problem.

Cancelo and former Atletico Madrid man Renan Lodi offer plenty of attacking intent from wing-back, while a highly experienced and talented midfield features former Wolves schemer Ruben Neves and Serb star Sergej Milinković-Savić.

Up front mush responsibility will fall on young Brazilian Marcos Leonardo, who scored the clinching second goal against Pachuca, while at the back former Napoli colossus Kalidou Koulibaly will need to impress to keep City at bay.

Al Hilal are likely to be stretched to breaking point by the pass and move style of the Citizens and over three goals in the game at 2.10 seems to a decent option.

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Manchester City v Al Hilal odds

Manchester City - 1.33
Draw - 5.75
Al Hilal - 7.00

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.