Manchester City are set to begin their 2024-25 Champions League campaign with a highly anticipated match against Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two sides since their dramatic 2023 Champions League final, where City secured a narrow 1-0 victory to complete a historic treble.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City enter the match in formidable form, boasting a perfect record in the Premier League after four matches. Their most recent outing saw them overcome a resilient Brentford side 2-1, with Erling Haaland netting a brace to overturn an early deficit. The Norwegian striker has been in scintillating form, breaking the Premier League record with nine goals in the first four matches of the season.
City’s home record is equally impressive, with an unbeaten streak at the Etihad now extending to 46 games across all competitions. Their Champions League form is also noteworthy, as they are undefeated in their last 23 matches in the competition.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, have had a mixed start to their Serie A campaign. After convincing victories against Lecce and Atalanta, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Monza in their most recent fixture. Manager Simone Inzaghi expressed disappointment with the result, particularly given the number of missed opportunities.
The Nerazzurri have a strong recent record in the Champions League, losing only three of their last 20 matches in the competition. However, they have struggled to start campaigns strongly, winning only one of their last nine opening fixtures.
Team News
Manchester City are still without Oscar Bobb due to a leg fracture, while Nathan Ake is sidelined with a muscle injury. Rodri is expected to make his first start of the season, and Phil Foden may return to the starting lineup.
For Inter, Tajon Buchanan remains their only injury concern. Inzaghi is likely to recall key players such as Alessandro Bastoni, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Nicolo Barella. The in-form Marcus Thuram is set to partner captain Lautaro Martinez in attack.
Expected starting XI’s
Manchester City: Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland
Inter Milan: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
