Manchester City Predicted XI vs Wydad AC: Guardiola Set to Include ‘One of the Best’ He’s Ever Coached
As Manchester City gear up to face Wydad Athletic Club in a much-anticipated international fixture, attention turns not only to the result but to who makes Pep Guardiola’s starting XI. While City are clear favorites against the Moroccan giants, this match presents more than just another pre-season or showcase outing—it’s a strategic tune-up, a test of depth, and potentially a glimpse into the club’s next phase.
What makes this match particularly intriguing is Guardiola’s decision to include a player he recently called “one of the best I’ve ever coached”—a glowing endorsement from a manager who has worked with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Kevin De Bruyne.
The Context: City Building Beyond Silverware
City arrive at this fixture as the reigning English champions yet again, fresh off a successful 2024/25 campaign that saw them lift their sixth Premier League title in eight seasons. Pep Guardiola’s machine continues to hum, but the Catalan tactician is clearly thinking about sustainability, youth development, and maintaining hunger within his squad.
Their opponents, Wydad AC, are no pushovers. The Casablanca-based club is one of Africa’s most successful sides, with multiple CAF Champions League titles and a deep squad of their own. While City are expected to win, the fixture gives Guardiola an opportunity to experiment, reward fringe players, and prepare for the challenges of the coming season.
Guardiola’s Approach: Blending Youth and Experience
Guardiola has hinted that this game won’t be about fielding the most star-studded XI possible. Instead, it’s about assessing form, fitness, and roles heading into the season. Speaking ahead of the game, Guardiola said:
> “We treat every match as a serious opportunity to grow. Wydad are a proud club with tradition and quality. It will be a test for the players—especially those who are pushing to prove themselves. Some of the young ones will play, and there are names that the fans will recognize too.”
Among those names is a player who, despite not always grabbing headlines, has clearly earned Guardiola’s profound admiration.
‘One of the Best’: Rico Lewis Set to Start
That player is Rico Lewis—the 20-year-old full-back turned hybrid midfielder. Guardiola’s praise has been effusive in recent months:
> “Rico is one of the best players I’ve ever coached. His understanding of space, his calmness, and his intelligence are exceptional for someone his age. He can play anywhere.”
Lewis is expected to start in midfield against Wydad AC, reprising the inverted full-back role that has become synonymous with City’s tactical flexibility. His inclusion signals more than just a developmental opportunity—it’s a clear indication that Guardiola sees him as central to City’s future.
Predicted Manchester City Starting XI vs Wydad AC
Let’s break down the predicted lineup, which balances senior stars with emerging talent:
Formation: 3-2-4-1
Goalkeeper:
Ederson – With City not taking major risks in goal, Ederson is expected to start to maintain rhythm and sharpness, though Stefan Ortega could see minutes in the second half.
Defenders:
Manuel Akanji – A regular presence last season, Akanji offers flexibility across the back line.
Rúben Dias – The defensive leader, Dias provides structure and composure against a potentially tricky Wydad attack.
Josko Gvardiol – After a solid debut season, the Croatian defender looks likely to anchor the left side, especially with Nathan Aké nursing a minor knock.
Double Pivot:
Rodri – Guardiola’s midfield metronome, Rodri is expected to start to set the tempo early before likely being substituted in the second half.
Rico Lewis – Deployed alongside Rodri, Lewis’s role will involve drifting into midfield to support build-up and control possession—exactly the type of nuanced duty Guardiola prizes.
Attacking Midfielders:
Bernardo Silva – Ever-reliable, Silva brings fluidity, pressing, and vision. His versatility will be key to breaking down Wydad’s compact lines.
Phil Foden – After his standout 2024/25 campaign, Foden is now a central figure for City and will likely operate in the No. 10 role.
Oscar Bobb – The Norwegian youngster is expected to be given another chance to impress. His dribbling and creativity could unlock Wydad’s back line.
Jack Grealish – A consistent performer, Grealish’s ball retention and drawing of fouls will help control the game’s rhythm.
Striker:
Julián Álvarez – With Erling Haaland nursing a slight muscle issue, Álvarez is expected to lead the line. His high energy and sharp movement will be crucial in pressing from the front.
Bench Options
City’s bench will include a mix of youth and experience, with potential appearances from:
Stefan Ortega (GK)
Nathan Aké (fitness dependent)
Kalvin Phillips
Micah Hamilton
Matheus Nunes
Sergio Gómez
These players will likely be rotated in the second half as Guardiola tests different combinations and protects his regular starters.
Tactical Expectation
Expect Guardiola to maintain his signature positional play, even against a team like Wydad that may adopt a compact, counter-attacking approach. The emphasis will be on control—dominating possession, compressing space, and orchestrating the press. Rico Lewis’s inverted role will be critical in ensuring midfield superiority, while players like Bobb and Foden will look to exploit any defensive disorganization.
On the defensive end, City will look to hold a high line and trust in Dias and Gvardiol’s timing. Ederson’s distribution could also be used to bypass Wydad’s midfield entirely in transitional moments.
Wydad AC: A Worthy Opponent
Though City have the upper hand on paper, Wydad AC’s mix of athleticism, technical quality, and continental experience cannot be underestimated. The Moroccan champions boast a proud tradition and play with intensity and tactical discipline, especially in cup-style matchups.
They are expected to field a 4-2-3-1 system, focusing on defensive shape and rapid transitions. City’s back line must remain alert, especially to diagonal passes and wide overloads.
A Glimpse Into City’s Evolution
This match is more than just a friendly—it’s a strategic checkpoint in Manchester City’s continued evolution. The presence of Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb, and potentially Micah Hamilton underlines Guardiola’s broader mission: integrating the next generation while maintaining elite standards.
Fans hoping for a goal-fest may get their wish, but the real story will be in the tactical details, the partnerships on display, and the players Guardiola chooses to trust.
Final Thoughts
As Manchester City face Wydad AC, all eyes will be on Pep Guardiola’s lineup—not just to see who plays, but to understand how he’s shaping his side for the future. With Rico Lewis front and center, this could be the night the world sees why Guardiola rates the young Englishman so highly.
In a game expected to showcase City’s depth, discipline, and dynamism, don’t be surprised if Lewis emerges as the heartbeat of it all. He might not yet be a global superstar, but in Pep’s eyes, he’s already “one of the best.”
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