Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva are pivotal components of Pep Guardiola’s strategy for the upcoming debut match at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 against Wydad AC. However, despite their significance, FIFA has revealed that they will not be part of Manchester City‘s starting XI for this highly anticipated opener.
Expectations are soaring for Guardiola and his team in this tournament. After enduring a difficult season without adding any silverware to their collection, Manchester City supporters are looking to this competition as an opportunity to reclaim their form and restore the identity reminiscent of their Champions League triumph.
With new talents like Rayan Cherki joining the ranks, Manchester City aim to demonstrate that last season’s struggles were merely a temporary setback. Notably, Jack Grealish is absent from the squad, having not been called up for the tournament.
Why are Haaland and Silva absent from Manchester City’s starting lineup against Wydad?
Reports indicate that Pep Guardiola opted to rest Haaland and Silva, managing their minutes strategically to navigate the challenges of the tournament. Their inclusion later in the game could play a crucial role in positioning Manchester City as strong contenders.
In place of Haaland and Silva, the starting lineup will feature other talents. Notably, Rayan Cherki is set to make his debut in a City jersey, while Omar Marmoush will be tasked with facing Wydad Casablanca, whose key player to watch is Moroccan star Sofyan Amrabat.
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Where to watch Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca live in the USA: FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Manchester City’s confirmed lineup
Alongside Cherki and Marmoush, Guardiola has selected Tijjani Reijnders, a promising young player he is eager to develop within the squad. Employing a 3-6-1 formation, Guardiola seeks to strike a balance between defense and offense, focusing on midfield dominance for his first game in the Club World Cup.
Here is Manchester City’s confirmed lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Nathan Ake, Victor Reis, Rico Lewis
- Midfielders: Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Rayan Cherki, Nico O’Reilly
- Forward: Omar Marmoush
