The FIFA Club World Cup group stage is on its last day. Thursday’s game between Man City and Juventus will decide the winner of Group G, as both teams have already qualified for the knockout stages.
It’s one of the most talented matchups of the group stage. Two powerhouse clubs that are regular Champions League attendees are always a treat to watch. Since the two have already qualified, they won’t be going full tilt, but it still represents an excellent opportunity to see top-end talent.
Man City is favored at -135 on the moneyline for this contest on the DraftKings Sportsbook. Let’s dig into a prediction, pick and best bet for this match.
Prediction for Man City vs. Juventus
Don’t get me wrong, Juventus are very good and one of the top teams in Italy. But Manchester City is in a tier above.
The circumstances of this game add to their favoritism as well. With both teams through to the knockout stage, the top-end players are likely to sit. Nobody wants to risk serious injury to get a slightly better matchup in a tournament that isn’t first-rate. And in the midst of a busy transfer window, City have become extremely deep.
They’re also motivated to play some new signings and young players. This transfer window has allowed them to add Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Ait Nouri. Pep Guardiola will want to get a look at all three before the Premier League season kicks off. They’ll also want to see what young guys like Claudio Echeverri, Oscar Bobb, Vitor Reis, and Nico O’Reilly can do. That group of new signings and young lads alone fields a lineup that could challenge a healthy and motivated Juventus.
This won’t be a properly motivated Juve team. They have a lot of veterans who need the rest, and a much less impressive group of young players. Less turnover in the squad also means less incentive to play key players. They’ll be competitive enough, but not against this City team. The Citizens should secure all three points in this one.
Pick for Man City vs. Juventus
Despite being this favored to win against a good Juventus side, I have no reason to pick against City in this contest.
They’re flat out picking teams apart to begin this tournament. The offense is loaded with talent, and the defense remains stout as ever. Kenan Yildiz could be a big scoring threat for Juventus if he plays, but could be out of the lineup, along with Randal Kolo Muani and Chico Conceicao. If that’s the case, they stand little chance at breaking through the Manchester defense.
City will secure all three points and roll into the knockout stage as group winners. Book it.
