Manchester City has continued to dominate the football world in recent years, collecting numerous trophies.
On the European stage, they reached new heights by winning their first-ever Champions League title in 2023. In the Premier League, their dominance has been clear, winning six titles in the past seven seasons.
Last season, City secured their fourth consecutive league title, holding off a strong challenge from Arsenal, who finished just two points behind. Before the start of this season, Pep Guardiola’s team defeated Manchester United in a closely contested Community Shield, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
This season, Manchester City started strong in the Premier League, winning their first three matches against Chelsea (2-0), Ipswich (4-1), and West Ham (3-1).
Inter Milan, on the other hand, had a dominant run in Serie A last season, finishing nearly 20 points ahead of second-placed AC Milan. However, their Champions League campaign ended in disappointment with a round-of-16 exit against Atlético Madrid.
After a mixed preseason, including wins against Lugano, Pergolettese, and Las Palmas but draws against Pisa and Chelsea and a loss to Al-Ittihad, Inter started their league campaign with a 2-2 draw against Genoa. They have since bounced back with convincing wins against Lecce (2-0) and Atalanta (4-0).
Manchester City will be without promising winger Bobb, who remains sidelined due to injury. There are also doubts about the availability of Phil Foden, who is recovering from illness.
Midfield anchor Rodri is expected to make his season debut after an impressive Euro 2024 with Spain. Erling Haaland has started the season on fire, scoring seven goals in the league, including a hat-trick in his last match.
City’s transfer market activity has been positive, with players like Julian Alvarez, Joao Cancelo, and Harwood-Bellis leaving, and Ilkay Gündogan returning after a season at Barcelona. They’ve also added exciting Brazilian winger Savinho to the squad.
Inter will welcome back their captain, Lautaro Martinez, last season’s Serie A top scorer, along with central defender Stefan de Vrij, who had an excellent Euro. Winger Buchanan remains out due to injury, but Marcus Thuram, who scored twice on the first day, is expected to start. Hakan Calhanoglou, who found the back of the net in the last match, is likely to feature in midfield alongside Barella and Mkhitaryan.
Inter’s summer transfer window saw the arrival of goalkeeper Martinez (Genoa), midfielder Zielinski (Napoli), and striker Taremi (Porto), alongside permanent transfers of Carlos Augusto, Frattesi, and Arnautovic.
Prediction
Inter has been involved in high-scoring matches on the road in the Champions League, with 22 goals scored in their last five away games. Meanwhile, Manchester City has seen over 2.5 goals in 15 of their last 20 home games, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Inter
