If he rests key players like Rodri and Erling Haaland, who missed the 2-1 come-from-behind win at Luton because of a foot injury, then you know it's not the strongest City line-up. It might be worth waiting until Guardiola names his side to see what his plan is.

Will he play his strongest XI and risk possible injuries, or will he use the tournament as a chance to play fringe players like Kalvin Phillips and Matheus Nunes, who have not featured as much as they would have liked so far this season. But we don't know how seriously Pep Guardiola will take this competition. You won't get rich backing Manchester City to win this year's FIFA Club World Cup, given they are the odds-on favourites. They will now face Fluminense in the final. Guardiola's side had a bye through the first two rounds, and they waltzed past Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday, 19 December. As well as that, the travelling might take its toll when they return to action in England. However, they travel to Saudi Arabia fourth in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Liverpool, who won this competition in Qatar in 2019.Ĭity's home game with Brentford on Saturday 23 December has been postponed due to their participation in the Club World Cup, so they could lose further ground on the sides above them. Starting the tournament as favourites are Manchester City, who won UEFA's Champions League in June to secure the club's first-ever treble, and Pep Guardiola will want to round off a special year with the Club World Cup. Auckland are the rank outsiders in Saudi Arabia, but their fans will be able to bet on the tournament on the leading NZ betting sites. Held annually in December, the tournament can often be a hindrance to clubs looking to end the year top of their respective leagues. You have to win the Champions League equivalent in each of the confederations. Qualification to FIFA's Club World Cup is tough.

Betfair online casino nj