Manchester City start their debut FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the semi-finals of the competition facing AFC Champions League winners Urawa Red Diamonds.
Urawa Red Diamonds vs Manchester City Match Details
Date: Tuesday, 19 December 2023
Time: 21:00 (KSA) / 23:30 (IST)
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah
Urawa Red Diamonds vs Manchester City Match Preview
While Manchester City got a direct slot in the last four of the Club World Cup 2023, Urawa Red Diamonds had to beat CONCACAF Champions League winners Leon 1-0 in the previous round to get to this stage. The Mexican outfit was also reduced to 10 when Leon captain William Tesillo received his marching orders after a second booking. Substitute Alex Schalk scored the winning goal in the 78th minute to give the Japanese side an exciting tie with the UEFA Champions League winners. Urawa also won their continental competition by beating a side from this edition’s host country Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal 2-1 on aggregate in a two-legged final. However, the Red Devils already sealed their place in the Club World Cup by reaching the showpiece only as Saudi Pro League Al-Ittihad took the host slot for the tournament. In their third appearance in this competition and taking the third spot in their last participation in 2017, Maciej Skorza's side might think they have the potential to cause an upset even if the opposition carries a fear factor.
Manchester City’s last piece of silverware which was missing from the trophy cabinet was sealed back in June this year by defeating Inter 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League final. Courtesy of that, Pep Guardiola's team will compete in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia and have also qualified for the expanded 32-team edition in 2025 hosted by the USA. While City are optimistic of sealing a fourth trophy in a year after completing a historic treble last season, the run of form before getting engaged with the competition will be a concern. The Premier League holders do not find themselves on the summit in the domestic league, five points adrift and sitting in fourth. They dropped points for the fourth time this weekend with a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace leaving them with only one win in seven league games. However, City have not faltered in the Champions League winning every group match and wants to reflect their continental self to propel themselves to the Club World Cup final.
Recent Form (all competitions)
URW: WLWWL
MCI: DWWLD
Urawa Red Diamonds vs Manchester City Team News
The trio of Takahiro Akimoto, Takahiro Sekine and Tomoaki Okubo were all subbed off injured in the second half at Leon. There is little chance that any of them will be fit for the semi-final with former Marseille defender Hiroki Sakai, who recently recovered from a knee injury, coming into the starting lineup. Alex Schalk could also make his place in the eleven after scoring the winner off the bench last time.
Manchester City are having question marks over the fitness of three key players - Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), Erling Haaland (foot) and Jeremy Doku (muscle). The Belgium international has not played a minute this season but was still added to the squad list of the Club World Cup while the latter two are doubts for the semi-final game. They might not be risked before the final or third place fight depending upon the result on Tuesday.
Urawa Red Diamonds vs Manchester City Predicted Lineups
Urawa Red Diamonds:
Nishikawa; Sakai, Scholz, Hoibraten, Ogiwara; Iwao, Ito; Schalk, Yasui, Koizumi; Kante
Manchester City:
Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gomez; Silva, Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
Urawa Red Diamonds vs Manchester City Dream11 Team Prediction
Manchester City are the favourites to win the semi-final clash against Urawa Red Diamonds and progress to the final of their first Club World Cup.
Urawa Red Diamonds vs Manchester City Dream11 Fantasy Suggestions
Captain: Erling Haaland
Vice-captains: Phil Foden, Jack Grealish
Our top pick for URW vs MCI Dream11 is Erling Haaland who has scored 19 goals for his club in all competitions this season.
URW vs MCI Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: Nishikawa (7.5)
DEF: Akanji (9), Scholz (9), Hoibraten (9)
MID: Foden (9), Grealish (8.5), Ito (8.5), B Silva (8)
FW: J Kante (9), Haaland (9), Alvarez (8.5)
Vice-captain: Phil Foden
Captain: Erling Haaland
Stay tuned to Fantasy Football for upcoming matches.
