Match for the Club World Cup’s round of 16, at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, in Orlando. In case the score after the end of the 90’ is tied, extra time follows, and after that (if necessary) a penalty shootout.
Match Overview
- This is the first-ever competitive game between the two, following a 2012 friendly Al Hilal 1-0 win.
- City are the only team to have won all three of their matches in this competition, scoring the most goals out of all the teams.
- Al Hilal are unbeaten in the FCWC, drawing 2 and winning 1 to expand their unbeaten run to 8 games.
- Two straight Manchester City games with Over 5.5 goals.
- Al Hilal have had 5 straight games with Under 2,5 goals.
Betting Tip Manchester City - Al Hilal
City have been dominant so far in the FCWC - they are seeking to win this trophy and start the next season on a positive note. Al Hilal, on the other hand, have managed to keep their games without many goals in the group stage, but their defense has been shaky. It’s hard to see them avoid both defeat and a barrage of goals conceded against City, leading us to Manchester City wins & Over 3.5 Goals scored.
- Betting tip: Man. City WINS & Over 3.5 goals
- Odds: 2.70
- Stake: 5
Manchester City
Manchester City earned a comfortable 5-2 victory over the other powerhouse of their group, Juventus, to culminate a perfect group stage run (3/3 wins) and advancement to the knockouts. The squad rotations did not affect the team whatsoever, with City taking a 2-1 lead to halftime. In the second, starters such as Haaland entered the game and quickly took care of business. The final score truly reflects just how dominant City were in this one - they tallied 24 shots, 11 of those on target.
They are the only team in the entire tournament to win out in the group stage, and they have scored the most goals in the competition (13). Manager Pep Guardiola’s team appears to be back to a positive momentum, following transfer reinforcements - new arrivals Reijnders and Cerki have seamlessly adapted to their new environment so far, while midfield stalwart Rodri made his first start following his injury.
Winning has been the norm for City recently - they have won five straight. In three of these games, they managed to keep a clean sheet, indicating a return to the standard of excellence that has been what we came to expect from City. If they make it past Al Hilal, they will be facing the winner of the Inter / Fluminense draw.
Al Hilal
Al Hilal defeated Mexican side Pachuca (2-0) in a hard-fought game and, also thanks to Salzburg’s defeat to Real Madrid, they advanced to the round of 16. They managed to grab an early goal with Salem Al Dawsari (22’) but afterwards conceded several chances to Pachuca. Goalkeeper Bono was decisive in yet another contest, keeping a clean sheet for the second game in a row, after a barrage of chances. Pachuca’s misses showed that Al Hilal have defensive issues they need to address if they are to advance further in this competition, issues that teams like City will take advantage of, no matter how well Bono plays.
Al Hilal added a second goal near the end and punched their way through with two draws and one win. They are now 8 games unbeaten in all competitions, having lost just once in their last 13 games. Every game they have played in this tournament ended with Under 2,5 Goals, while the Saudis scored in two of them. Manager Simone Inzaghi will have all his players at his disposal, hoping to continue his positive start at the helm. He has faced City twice as Inter manager, drawing 0-0 in their more recent contest, and losing the 2023 Champions League final before that.
