Manchester City vs Inter Prediction: 18/9/2024

Over the past several seasons, Manchester City has consistently asserted its dominance, collecting numerous trophies along the way. The pinnacle of their European success came in 2023 when they secured their first-ever Champions League title. Domestically, City’s reign in the Premier League has been equally impressive, winning six titles in the past seven seasons.

Last year, they were crowned champions of England for the fourth consecutive time, narrowly holding off Arsenal, who finished just two points behind. Before the current season began, Pep Guardiola’s side claimed another trophy by defeating Manchester United in a closely contested Community Shield match, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw. This season, City started strong in the Premier League, recording victories against Chelsea (2-0), Ipswich (4-1), and West Ham (3-1) in their opening three games.

Inter Milan dominated Serie A last season, finishing nearly 20 points ahead of their closest rival, AC Milan. However, their Champions League run ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Atlético Madrid.

Their pre-season preparation was mixed, with wins against smaller teams like Lugano, Pergolettese, and Las Palmas, but less favorable results against Pisa (1-1), Chelsea (1-1), and a defeat to Al-Ittihad (0-2). Their inconsistent form continued into the season opener, where they were held to a 2-2 draw by Genoa. However, Inter has since improved, securing two consecutive victories without conceding, defeating Lecce (2-0) and Atalanta (4-0).

Manchester City will be without promising winger Bobb, who remains sidelined due to injury, and there is uncertainty regarding the availability of England international Phil Foden, who is ill. Midfield anchor Rodri is expected to make his season debut after a strong performance at the Euros with Spain, while Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals in the league, remains in fine form after netting a hat-trick in City’s last match.

The club has seen significant movement in the transfer market, with Julian Alvarez (to Atlético Madrid), João Cancelo (to Al-Hilal), and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (to Southampton) among the departures. Several players have also gone out on loan, including Sergio Gomez (Real Sociedad), Doyle (Wolverhampton), Kaboré (Benfica), and others. New signings include Gündogan returning from Barcelona and explosive Brazilian winger Savinho (from Troyes/Girona).

Defender Nathan Aké remains injured after the Nations League and is not expected to feature in the opener.

Inter will rely on the return of captain Lautaro Martinez, last season’s top scorer in Serie A, along with central defender Stefan de Vrij, who had a strong showing at the Euros. The only player missing will be substitute winger Buchanan, who is still recovering from injury.

Marcus Thuram, who scored twice in the season opener, is expected to start, with Hakan Calhanoglou also likely to feature in midfield alongside Barella and Mkhitaryan. Inter’s summer transfer activity saw the departure of several secondary players, including defenders Cuadrado (Atalanta), Zanotti (Lugano), and Franco Carboni (River Plate), as well as midfielders Agoumé (Sevilla FC) and Oristanio (Venice).

However, they have bolstered their squad with the arrivals of goalkeeper Martinez (Genoa), midfielder Zielinski (Naples), and forward Taremi (Porto), alongside permanent deals for Carlos Augusto, Frattesi, and Arnautovic, who had been on loan last season.

 

Prediction

Inter has provided plenty of excitement on the road in the Champions League, scoring 22 goals across their last five matches. Similarly, Manchester City has been involved in high-scoring home games, with over 2.5 goals being scored in 15 of their last 20 matches. Given these trends, this contest is expected to be a thrilling, high-scoring affair.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Inter