It is just over 11 years ago that Manchester City was already playing Ain for the last time, the two teams who meet a friendly in May 2014.
On that occasion, the city of Manuel Pellegrini triumphed through three goals to Nil, scored by Rony Lopes, Stefan Jovetic and Jordy Hiwula in the space of 26 second half minutes.
Pep Guardiola will undoubtedly hope for a similar score to ensure the progress of the city to the knockout rounds of this summer's club, with his record so far at the CWC in his different forms are 27 goals that his teams have scored and only two admittedly.
The opener of City against Wydad Casablanca was won in a canter, 2-0 on Lincoln Financial Field – Pep's ninth consecutive victory over the club World Cup in his different formats – while Al Ain had a heavy 5-0 defeat against Juventus on Audi Field – the biggest margin of the CWC.
After the really amazing (and embarrassing) 10-0 of Bayern 10-0 on Auckland City and Benfica's 6-0 victory over the same opponents, Al Ain's five-purpose margin of defeat is the same as that of Al Jazira, who lost 6-1 to Al Hilal in 2022.
Foden can be dropped despite remarkable performance
The performance of Phil Foden was especially remarkable in the opener of the city, although there is no guarantee that the English international will start the second game in group G. It is in fact very unlikely.
“Many players, we have to give them minutes, otherwise if they come back from a long injury and not play, they will never get it,” Guardiola told reporters after the game.
“Next game, 10 new players will be there to win the next one.”
It is the first time that an English team plays against one side of the United Arab Emirates in a competitive game, one in which Rico Lewis cannot be considered because of the red card that was received against Wydad, while Mateo Kovacic did not travel because of his Achilles injury.
Both Kyle Walker and Jack Grealisk also remained at home.
Debut for Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rodri went back to return
Rayan Ait-Nouri will probably make his long-awaited debut for the club, while city fans will be delighted to hear that there is any chance that Rodri will make a comeback from his long-term injury.
The current form is also in favor of the Premier League Giants. Apart from the CWC opener and the 1-0 loss in the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace, City signed with Southampton (0-0) and beaten Fulham (2-0), Bournemouth (3-1) and Wolves (1-0) in their final trips.
Al Ain, on the other hand, managed to beat Auckland City with 6-2 during the qualification of Intercontinental Cup, but lost to Al Ahly (3-0) in the quarterfinals of the same competition.
Wydad still had 12 shots on Guardiola side
If there is one area that Pep probably wants to see an improvement against Al Ain, this will be in terms of defense.
Although Wydad could not score, they still registered 12 shots with Doel, only three shy of the 15 of the city. On another day, if one of these enters, a counter-op-the-wall can at least disrupt a free-flowing city side.
Making four interceptions in that game can also be a concern, although City is not necessarily known for the more physical aspects of the game.
If you place the completion rates up almost across the board of 90%, one can always overlook other aspects if they have no real influence on the game.
Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca Statsopta by Statspleform
Of course, as soon as Foden scored with less than two minutes on the clock, it would always be a tough fight, although they have acquitted themselves well.
Pep's clear search for absolute perfection means that he will of course not rest, and we are already ain if they happen to get city on one of those days when they are really in the mood.
The party based on Emirates can at least be encouraged by Thembinkosi Lorch with seven details in the city box for Wydad, which suggests that if Alejandro Romero and Soufiane Rahimi are moving forward and have their shooting boots, they have a chance to make life difficult for their opponents.
Al Ain must be more than physical against the city
Rahimi's four details in the Juventus penalty area in their opener were the most of every already an AIN player, and that must be clearly improved, as their defense should be.
The bianconeri could attack as desired and keep the VAE side at a distance with relative convenience; However, the five shots of Al Ain on Doel should have seen a reward.
Juve also had the lion's share of possession (63.4%), something that will be music in the ears of Man City, and yet they were still elaborated in midfield with Facundo Zabala who involves during the 18-on-one duels during the game-de most of each player on the field.
The six attempt by Zabala were also the most to be seen, and together with Rami Rabia they offered reasonably opposed what an attack became.
She and their teammates will know that City remains overwhelming favorites, but the Premier League side cannot afford to be complacent, especially with so many expected personnel changes.