Verdict: Erling Haaland to score any time
Best odds: 39/50
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Manchester City begin their 2024/25 Champions League journey with a thrilling clash against Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
This marks the first meeting between the sides since the 2023 Champions League final, where Rodri’s solitary strike secured a 1-0 win for City in Istanbul, completing their historic treble.
Manchester City
Manchester City enter their 2024/25 Champions League opener against Inter Milan in stellar form, despite their weekend clash with Brentford providing a stern test. City were momentarily stunned when Yoane Wissa scored after just 22 seconds, capitalizing on a mistake by John Stones. However, Erling Haaland’s clinical finishing turned the game in City’s favor with two goals before half-time, extending his season tally to nine and bringing him just shy of 100 goals for the club.
Pep Guardiola’s men are riding a remarkable 46-game unbeaten streak at the Etihad (W39 D7), and with three home fixtures in a week across different competitions, they will aim to set the tone with a victory against a familiar opponent in Inter. Further more, they’re the only team with a 100% record in the Premier League since the start of the term, and obviously top the table ahead of Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
City’s incredible record in the Champions League – unbeaten in 23 matches – positions them as one of the favorites to reclaim the continental crown this season. They are just two games away from matching Manchester United’s record 25-game unbeaten run in the competition from 2007 to 2009, adding further incentive for a strong start in Europe.
Team News
City will be without attacker Oscar Bobb, who is sidelined with a leg fracture, and defender Nathan Ake, who won’t be available until mid-October due to a muscle injury. On the other hand, Rodri is expected to make his first start of the season after gaining some playing time in the win over Brentford. Phil Foden could also return to the lineup after being an unused substitute in that match.
Erling Haaland will surely lead the attack, continuing his incredible Champions League form with 41 goals in just 39 appearances. Guardiola has options in defence. At right-back, Kyle Walker might retain his spot or see Rico Lewis move over from the left, to make way for Josko Gvardiol. Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones will be competing for the centre-back roles.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s hopes of securing their third consecutive Serie A victory were dashed in a 1-1 draw against Monza last weekend. After conceding a late goal to Dany Mota in the 81st minute, Denzel Dumfries salvaged a point for the Nerazzurri with an equalizer just seven minutes later. Head coach Simone Inzaghi expressed disappointment at his team’s inability to capitalize on several first-half chances, leaving them to regroup for a crucial week ahead, with a Champions League clash against Manchester City followed by a fierce derby against AC Milan.
Inter’s recent Champions League form has been strong, with just three defeats in their last 20 matches (W11 D6). However, they have struggled to start their campaigns on the front foot, winning only once in their last nine tournament openers.
Inzaghi’s side will aim to exact revenge against City following their narrow defeat in the 2023 final, and they have reason for optimism: the Nerazzurri have previously claimed away victories at Newcastle United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the competition. If they triumph at the Etihad, they will join Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich as the only clubs to win at least five away matches against English teams in the Champions League.
Team News
Inter Milan will be without versatile wideman Tajon Buchanan, who is recovering from a fractured tibia sustained during international duty with Canada at the Copa America this summer. Despite this, Simone Inzaghi is expected to field a strong lineup for their Champions League opener against Manchester City, with several key players returning to the starting XI.
Defender Alessandro Bastoni and midfield duo Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella are all set to be recalled, with Barella having missed out last time due to sinus surgery. Up front, Marcus Thuram, who has been in excellent form with four goals and two assists in four Serie A matches, is expected to partner captain Lautaro Martinez.
Conclusion
A tightly contested clash is expected at the Etihad, with both Manchester City and Inter Milan vying for early supremacy in their Champions League group. While Inter pose a genuine threat, City’s imperious home form gives them the edge heading into this fixture.
Although City’s defence doesn’t look too good, which could give Inter some hope, Guardiola’s side have had the prolific Haaland to rely on in the final third. If Norwegian maintains his early-season form, it’s likely that the home side will find a way to secure victory.
Verdict: Erling Haaland to score any time
Best odds: 39/50
Bookmaker: ZetBet
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