Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 12, 2024 7:56 pm GMT
As Manchester City prepares to host Inter Milan on September 18, 2024, anticipation is building for the opening match of the UEFA Champions League. City is eager to secure their second title in this prestigious tournament, and they will look to their star striker, Erling Haaland, to deliver yet again.
Haaland’s Stellar Form
Erling Haaland has been in remarkable form this season. With nine goals in his first four Premier League matches, he aims to carry this momentum into the Champions League. The young talent boasts an impressive record with 41 goals in just 39 Champions League appearances.
- Season Goals: 9 in the Premier League (as of 2024)
- Champions League Goals: 41 in 39 matches
Despite dealing with personal challenges, including the death of a close family friend, Haaland started in the last match against Brentford, scoring a brace. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, is expected to rely heavily on him to lead the attack against Inter Milan.
Team Updates and Expected Lineup
Manchester City enters this match with a relatively fit squad. Here’s a look at the predicted lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Rodri, Gundogan
- Forwards: Silva, De Bruyne, Grealish, Haaland
Injuries:
- Oscar Bobb (broken leg)
- Nathan Ake (thigh problem)
Rodri made his season debut against Brentford and is expected to play more minutes in this fixture. Additionally, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias may return to the starting lineup after being on the bench last match.
Inter Milan has some injury concerns too. Their influential midfielder, Tajon Buchanan, is ruled out, and Federico Dimarco is a doubtful starter due to a thigh strain.
Previous Encounters
This match replicates the final of the previous Champions League season where Manchester City claimed victory over Inter Milan in Istanbul. While this matchup does not carry the same historical significance, it is still crucial for both teams as they look to establish a strong start in the group stage.
- Last encounter: Manchester City vs. Inter Milan (Champions League Final 2023)
- Result: Manchester City won
Inter has shown promise in Serie A this season, securing two wins and two draws in their first four matches. However, they are seen as heavy underdogs going into this clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Betting Odds
Bookmakers have made Manchester City the favorites for this game, reflecting their strong performance history and overall squad depth.
- Manchester City: Favorites with odds around 1/3
- Inter Milan: Outsiders at 11/2
Given the tactical play and the potential for player bookings, some experts suggest watching for specific player performances. Hakan Çalhanoglu, Inter’s midfielder, is touted for potentially earning a yellow card due to his playing style and position in midfield.
Kickoff Details
- Date: September 18, 2024
- Time: 8 PM BST
- Venue: Etihad Stadium
- TV Channel: TNT Sports 1
Image: Manchester City and Inter Milan during their last encounter in the Champions League Final, 2023.
The Road Ahead
As Manchester City embarks on their Champions League journey, the stakes are high. Should they progress beyond the group stage, City could face a grueling schedule that could see them play up to 17 matches, especially if they aim for the final. The added pressure of performing consistently in a new competition format adds to the excitement and anticipation.
Guardiola’s team will be focused on not only securing a win against Inter but also building a solid foundation for their Champions League aspirations this season. The focus on European success remains ever-present, and with players like Haaland in form, fans will be hoping for a thrilling match.
Conclusion
The match between Manchester City and Inter Milan is sure to be a thrilling way to kick off the Champions League season. Both teams are filled with talent and excitement, making it a great game to watch at the Etihad Stadium. Fans can’t wait for the game to start, and everyone will be watching Haaland and Manchester City, hoping they can kick off their Champions League journey with a win!
