Tue Jul 01 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## City Favourites as They Face Al Hilal in Club World Cup Debut

**Orlando, FL** – Manchester City, fresh off a disappointing domestic season, are set to face Al Hilal in the Club World Cup, marking the first competitive encounter between the two clubs. City cruised through their group stage with a perfect record, dispatching Wydad Casablanca (2-0), Al Ain (6-0), and Juventus (5-2) with ease. Their potent attack, boasting ten different goalscorers already in the tournament, including a returning Oscar Bobb, poses a significant threat to the Saudi Arabian side.

Al Hilal, however, are no pushovers. They surprised Real Madrid with a 1-1 draw in their opening match, followed by a goalless draw against RB Salzburg and a 2-0 victory over Pachuca. The Saudi side features familiar faces like Rúben Neves, João Cancelo, and Kalibou Koulibaly.

However, Al Hilal will be without two key players: captain Salem Al-Dawsari (hamstring) and star striker Aleksander Mitrović (calf), depriving them of significant firepower. City are also missing players through injury and suspension, including Claudio Etcheverri, Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovačić.

While Al Hilal possesses experienced players, the conditions in Orlando could play a role. High temperatures, humidity, and the potential for thunderstorms are predicted, which could favour the Middle Eastern team, who are more used to these conditions. Nevertheless, Manchester City are widely expected to advance to the quarter-finals. The match will be a key test for both teams as they compete for global glory.

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