As comedian Daniel Tosh famously joked: “they say money can’t buy happiness- no, but it buys a wave-runner. Have you ever seen anyone unhappy on one of those?” Likewise, British pounds and Euros can’t directly buy titles, but it does buy a talented roster of players. Given their massive advantages on paper, you have to consider Manchester City among the strongest of favorites to win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Look at the quality of players on their roster versus their opponent on Wednesday night- Wydad AC.
There is a massive gulf here! Man City could very likely end up winning this one with a cricket style score line.
Manchester City vs Wydad AC FYIs
Kickoff: Wed June 18, 12pm EST, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Competition: 2025 FIFA Club World Grouping G Group Stage Matchday 1 of 3
MCFC Preview Material: Tournament Preview Latest Transfer Talk Team News Starting XI Prediction
Watch: DAZN is streaming it for free, with TNT Sports, Tru TV airing some games here and there.
Manchester City Summer Signing Series
Rayan Ait-Nouri Rayan Cherki Marcus Bettinelli Tijjani Reijnders
Manchester City started their summer spending early, making four critical roster additions already. This is a big part of why Pep Guardiola has been so successful at The Etihad, they get things done, and they get them done early. Successful clubs just do not waste time in the transfer window, and we should see some of the new signings start against Wydad AC here.
Or at least the two different guys named Rayan! They will likely be in the first team here.
Manchester City Starting XI Prediction vs Wydad AC
Ederson; Rico Lewis, Abdukodir, Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Tijjjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez; Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku; Erling Haaland
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter