Erling Haaland opened his account at the Club World Cup with a goal against Al Ain last time out. The Norwegian striker had six shots in the game, four of which managed to find the target which is a sample that highlights how effective Haaland can be for Manchester City when the side is fully functioning.

Haaland netted 31 goals across his 45 appearances during the 24/25 regular season, 22 of these came in the Premier League where he averaged 1.97 shots on target per 90 across his 31 appearances in the English top flight. Such a consistent record across the entire season makes Haaland a good option to back to register a shot on target here.

When these sides met in the league phase of the Champions League, Haaland had two shots with one of these efforts finding the target. He looks well placed to repeat that here having opened his account in the competition last time out. 

Phil Foden is aiming to reclaim his place in this Manchester City side after a difficult season, but his displays at the Club World Cup so far indicate he’s already well on his way.  

Foden delivered a man-of-the-match performance in City’s opening game against Wydad Casablanca, contributing a goal and an assist in his 60-minute appearance. He registered three shots on target from four attempts in that match and followed it up with two efforts against Al Ain, one of which tested the keeper during his 45-minute outing.  

During the 24/25 Premier League season, Foden managed 16 shots on target across 20 starts (0.81 per 90), a return that brought him seven goals. The 25-year-old will look to maintain his strong start in the tournament when it comes to testing the goalkeeper, especially against a Juventus side that has allowed 11 shots on target in their two Club World Cup fixtures.

Manchester City have looked a little stronger than Juventus in their opening few games of the Club World Cup. While both sides have posted comprehensive victories over Al Ain and Wydad Casablanca, Juventus have looked more vulnerable in doing so.

The Old Lady have conceded 11 shots on target across their two fixtures at the Club World Cup so far, five of these came against Al Ain while Wydad Casablanca managed to get six efforts on goal against Igor Tudor’s side. Manchester City should be able to readily punish this lack of defensive cohesion more effectively than the opponents Juventus have faced at the Club World Cup so far.

Yildiz has emerged as one of Juventus’ standout performers at the Club World Cup, scoring three goals in his two appearances so far. He netted a brace against Wydad Casablanca in their last match, helping Juventus secure a convincing 4-1 victory over the Moroccan side.  

The young forward has already made an impact against Manchester City this season, providing an assist in Juventus’ 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s side during the league phase of the 24/25 Champions League. His ability to deliver in big moments makes him a player City will need to watch closely.  

With his current form and previous success against City, Yildiz will be looking to continue his strong run in the tournament. His confidence will be high, and Juventus will rely on him to trouble a City defence that has shown vulnerability at times.

Ait-Nouri made his Manchester City debut in their last Club World Cup match against Al Ain, where he committed two fouls. This puts him under scrutiny as a player likely to concede fouls again in this game. He will come up against Sergio Conceicao, who has already won six fouls in his two appearances at the tournament (3.31 per 90).  

Conceicao has proven to be a player who draws fouls regularly, averaging 2.42 fouls won per 90 across his 26 Serie A appearances in the 24/25 season. His ability to draw contact could trouble Ait-Nouri, who will need to be disciplined in his defending.  

With Conceicao’s tendency to win fouls and Ait-Nouri’s early record of conceding them, this duel could be a key battle in the match. City’s new signing will have to be careful to avoid giving away unnecessary free kicks in dangerous areas.

Di Gregorio has been forced into making 5+ saves in both of his Club World Cup matches so far. He will not have expected to be tested this often in fixtures against Al Ain and Wydad Casablanca with this exposing a real weakness of Juventus in failing to offer protection for their backline which allows opposition sides to cut through them with ease.

Manchester City should be able to test Di Gregorio to the same standard, if not higher with the quality they have within their ranks. When these sides met in the league phase of the Champions League early on in the 24/25 season, Manchester City drew three saves from Di Gregorio.