With all eyes falling on Istanbul on Saturday night, Manchester City and Inter Milan will meet at the Ataruk Olimpiyat with the 2023 Champions League up for grabs in Turkey.
Punching just their second ever European final ticket last month as they stormed their way to a famous 5-1 aggregate romp against Spanish icons Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s men are just 90 minutes away from making real history.
Officially defending their Premier League title last month and also claiming this year’s FA Cup at Wembley just seven days ago, the Sky Blues are on the verge of becoming the first English club since 1999 to be crowned treble champions.
However, while the likes of Erling Haaland and co might have continued on a remarkable purple patch in 2023, a high-flying Inter Milan will be looking to hand City more Champions League heartbreak on Saturday night.
Making their own European statement last month as they clinched a rampant 3-0 aggregate win against bitter local rivals AC Milan, Simone Inzaghi’s men travel out to Turkey enjoying a stellar run of form.
Winning 11 of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions, the Italian heavyweights are dreaming of the chance to spring an iconic Champions League upset.
In what looks set to be an action-packed affair from Istanbul this weekend, we are also treated to plenty of interesting betting markets.
For those of you looking to place a special Champions League final bet builder on Saturday night, we have created your ultimate 7/1 flutter.
2023 is finally Manchester City’s year
While Manchester City might have signed off their Premier League adventure with a 1-0 loss away at Brentford on May 28th, Guardiola’s superstar squad are riding what has been a famous wave of momentum since returning from the World Cup’s winter break.
Losing just one of their last 27 straight appearances across all competitions, the former Barcelona boss knows that his side are just 90 minutes away from writing themselves into the history books.
Lifting the FA Cup at Wembley last weekend as they secured a 2-1 win against their bitter local rivals, the Sky Blues are now seen as a runaway pick to become the first English club since 1999 to be crowned treble champions.
Making a major Champions League statement last month as they claimed that famous 5-1 aggregate romp against Real Madrid, Guardiola has made it clear that his tenure at the Etihad would not be complete unless he is able to hand City a maiden European crown.
Gaining a reputation for their free-scoring performances on the European stage and notching 31 Champions League strikes – four more than any other club in this year’s tournament – City are rightfully tipped as a standout pick here.
Bet Builder Tip: Manchester City win @ 1/2 with Olympusbet
Gundogan to extend on his recent romp
While it might be the record-breaking Haaland who has stolen most of Manchester City’s headlines this season, fans around the Etihad will be hugely excited by Ilkay Gundogan’s remarkable purple patch over the past few weeks.
Although there might be continued speculation that the one-time Borussia Dortmund winner could be set for a blockbuster move away from the Premier League this summer, Gundogan has been a key part of Guardiola’s plans in 2023.
Bagging a famous FA Cup final brace at Wembley last weekend, the German international has now notched a pair of goals in three of his last six appearances across all competitions.
One of six City players to reach double digits this season, Gundogan will be desperate to become the first captain the club’s history to lift a Champions League crown.
It should be highlighted, mustering 19 shots on his 12 Champions League appearances this season, only Haaland (40) has recorded more efforts during City’s European adventure this season.
Likewise, averaging 0.8 shots on target per Champions League outing this year, Gundogan could have another key role to play in Guardiola’s charge on Saturday night.
Bet Builder Tip: Illkay Gundogan to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 19/20 with Dachbet
Another Barella tightrope in the middle of the park
Although Lautaro Martinez might have continued on a stellar free-scoring romp since returning from March’s international break, Nicolo Barella has once again been one of Inter Milan’s standout performers this season.
Rightfully regarded among Europe’s most elite midfield stars, the Italian international has been the lynchpin of Inter’s European success this year and has featured in all bar one of the Nerazzurri’s Champions League appearances.
However, set to face a real challenge against a Manchester City midfield that dominate large spells of possession, Barella does have a reputation for his rugged approach in the middle of the park.
Committing 15 Champions League fouls in his 11 appearances this season – a tally that is only matched by Hakan Calhanoglu – Barella is also averaging 1.5 fouls per European contest this year.
It should also be highlighted, Inter’s midfield talisman also gave away a pair of fouls in both semi-final clashes against AC last month.
Bet Builder Tip: Nicolo Barella to commit over 1.5 fouls @ 7/4 with Luckster
Champions League Final Bet Builder
- Manchester City win @ 1/2
- Ilkay Gundogan to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 19/20
- Nicolo Barella to commit over 1.5 fouls @ 7/4
Place a £10 bet on our Europa Conference League Bet Builder Special with Vegas Land and pocket £80.44 if all predictions are correct.
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