Manchester City vs Al Ain predictions: Club World Cup tips and odds

Telegraph

3 hours ago

Our expert has three tips for the Club World Cup contest between Manchester City and Al Ain at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia (2am Monday BST kick-off). We think the Light Blues will rack up the goals against their UAE Pro League counterparts.
Manchester City vs Al Ain tips
Manchester City -2 goals on handicap @ 4/5 with Sky Bet
Phil Foden to score @ 5/4 with Sky Bet
Over 1.5 first-half goals @ evens with Sky Bet
Odds courtesy of Sky Bet. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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City unlikely to hold back
The Premier League side comfortably justified being tipped as favourites in a 2-0 win over Moroccan club Wydad in their first game at the Club World Cup. Now they have settled into the tournament, they could have an even more comprehensive victory over Al Ain.
City took the lead after just two minutes in their Group G opener, dominating the affair in Philadelphia, and they look overpriced at -2 goals on the handicap – in other words to win by at least three goals – against Al Ain at 4/5.
Debutants Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki looked sharp and there are plenty of City players waiting in the wings and wanting to impress boss Pep Guardiola.
Al Ain were destroyed 5-0 by Juventus last time out, conceding all those goals by the 58th minute, and could have a tough time against an even stronger City outfit.
Foden can net again
Midfielder Phil Foden did not enjoy his best season in a City shirt last season but he started his Club World Cup campaign on the front foot, impressing as the team's key creative outlet in their victory over Wydad.
Foden scored and assisted in the game but also managed four shots, three of which were on target, and he is a good bet to score at 5/4 against Al Ain.
Guardiola could make sweeping changes for this contest but Foden will surely keep his spot after finally showing some form. He can profit if the floodgates open.
Fast start again from Guardiola's men
The Light Blues scored both of their goals in victory over Wydad before the interval, and over 1.5 first-half goals appeals again at evens with Sky Bet.
It was evident from City's approach that they wanted to get the game against Wydad wrapped up quickly in order to rotate personnel, and the same could be true in this contest.
Guardiola's side are typically fast starters anyway, netting a league-high 41 first-half goals in last season's Premier League, and Al Ain were 3-0 down after just 31 minutes against Juventus in their tournament opener.
Manchester City vs Al Ain odds
All odds courtesy of Sky Bet. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.