By Filip Mishov
Man Metropolis’s winless file towards Juventus
A uncommon sight in soccer is watching a squad being discontent after a 6-0 win, however Manchester Metropolis wanted to attain not less than yet another purpose to leapfrog Juventus and prime Group G forward of their direct assembly within the last spherical of the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025‘s group section. And it’s no marvel that the Cityzens wished to keep away from a must-win match towards the Previous Woman given their poor file of three consecutive defeats and a few attracts throughout UEFA’s membership competitions over the previous decade and a half.
The final assembly between the golf equipment ended with a Juventus win within the Champions League again in December final 12 months, as Dušan Vlahović and Weston McKennie discovered the again of the online at Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Now, Igor Tudor and Pep Guardiola‘s squads will go face to face in Orlando for the highest spot in Group G after each secured dominant wins towards Wydad Casablanca and Al-Ain, respectively. Though, a draw will probably be sufficient for the 36-time Italian champions to seal it resulting from their increased variety of targets scored (9) compared to the Blues (8), with each on similar purpose distinction (+8). Moreover, the second-placed staff within the group will more than likely face Actual Madrid within the knockout stage, barring any surprises on Matchday 3 in Group H.
Key gamers
The FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 is proving to be Kenan Yıldız‘s breakout membership event because the Turkish wonderkid is the Bianconeri’s prime scorer with three targets scored throughout the opening couple of matches and his position is enhancing with every passing minute.
One other playmaking jewel is shining brightly on the opposite facet, as Rayan Cherki opened his purpose account towards Al-Ain and the French prodigy regarded proper at residence in a Pep Guardiola staff. The 21-year-old is anticipated to start out towards Juventus after his spectacular cameo off the bench, and will probably be Metropolis’s essential inventive menace in the direction of Michele Di Gregorio‘s purpose who has made 10 saves within the opening two rounds, making him one of many prime goalkeepers on the event thus far.
Staff information
Mattia Perin and Juan Cabal are confirmed absentees within the Igor Tudor-led squad, however Gleison Bremer is nearing a return from harm, though the match on Thursday may come too quickly.
Claudio Echeverri scored an unbelievable free-kick for Metropolis within the win over Al-Ain, however the Argentine obtained substituted at half-time resulting from sustaining an ankle harm, which makes him uncertain for Group G’s decider. Mateo Kovačić and Jack Grealish stay unavailable as does Rico Lewis who’s one-match ban obtained prolonged to 3 matches for ‘severe foul play’.
Prediction
With Juventus (4.26 xG) and Manchester Metropolis (5.94 xG) being the one groups with an ideal file on the FIFA Membership World Cup thus far, I anticipate a decent match and an thrilling goalfest with either side desirous to keep away from the potential conflict with Xabi Alonso‘s Actual Madrid within the knockout phases.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
You possibly can observe each sport from the Membership World Cup with FotMob this summer season – that includes deep stats protection, xG, participant scores. Obtain the free app right here.