Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Manchester City Club World Cup Semi-final Preview – Prediction, Team news, Lineups – Football News, Previews, Predictions, Transfers

Manchester City prepares for their first-ever Club World Cup campaign, facing Urawa Red Diamonds at King Abdullah Sports City on Tuesday. Urawa awaits the European champions in a semi-final clash for a chance to reach the tournament’s final stage.

Match Preview

Urawa Red Diamonds secured their spot in the Club World Cup by triumphing in the AFC Champions League. They clinched a semi-final berth after defeating Leon, setting the stage for a challenging contest against European powerhouse Manchester City.

Despite a recent AFC Champions League title, Urawa’s domestic and continental performances have been inconsistent.

Their win over Leon in the Club World Cup marked only their third win in ten matches across various competitions.

Manchester City, after a recent Premier League draw with Crystal Palace, approaches this tournament on the back of mixed results. Their form has slightly faltered, with just three wins in their last eight games.

Guardiola’s side heads to Saudi Arabia as favorites, aiming to add another prestigious trophy to their cabinet following their Champions League success in the previous season.

Team News

Urawa Red Diamonds face injury concerns following their victory against Leon, with several key players – Takahiro Akimoto, Takahiro Sekine, and Tomoaki Okubo – forced off due to injuries. Their replacements might include Hiroki Sakai and Alex Schalk.

Manchester City deals with injury woes of their own, with Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Jeremy Doku nursing various injuries.

Guardiola may opt for squad rotation, potentially providing opportunities for players like Julian Alvarez, Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic, and Kalvin Phillips.

Predicted Lineups

Urawa Red Diamonds: (4-2-3-1)

Nishikawa;

Sakai, Scholz, Hoibraten, Ogiwara;

Iwao, Ito;

Schalk, Yasui, Koizumi;

Kante

Manchester City: (4-2-3-1)

Ortega;

Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gomez;

Nunes, Kovacic;

Bobb, Silva, Grealish;

Alvarez

Prediction: Urawa Red Diamonds 0-3 Manchester City

Despite potential squad rotations, Manchester City’s depth and quality should prevail. Expect City to control the game, sealing their place in the final with a convincing 3-0 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds.