Eyeing a historic treble, Manchester City cross swords with Inter Milan in the much-awaited UEFA Champions League 2022-23 final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul today evening.
The Sky Blues have enjoyed a brilliant campaign so far, winning the Premier League title and the FA Cup. They tore apart Real Madrid 5-1 over two legs in the Champions League semi-finals to punch their ticket to the showpiece event in Turkey.
Having failed to go past the competition’s semi-finals last season, Pep Guardiola and co. have avenged their defeat against Real Madrid. With the glorious chance to complete a historic treble at the weekend and match their neighbours Manchester United’s record, motivation is the last thing Guardiola’s Man City side will need against Inter Milan.
Manchester City Team News
Pep Guardiola has reported a minor concern for Kyle Walker, with the right-back experiencing discomfort with his back and missing a couple of training sessions earlier this week. However, Walker has been included in a full-strength Man City squad which has travelled to Istanbul for the Champions League final.
Predicted Man City Lineup vs Inter Milan (3-2-4-1)
Goalkeeper
Ederson will assume the goalkeeping duties against Inter Milan, with Stefan Ortega—who deputised in between the sticks against Manchester United in the FA Cup final—and veteran Scott Carson on the bench.
Defence
Pep Guardiola is likely to stick with the newfound successful defensive structure that helped City retain the Premier League title and win the FA Cup. So, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji are expected to form the three-man backline of the Man City lineup in front of Ederson, with Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte finding themselves on the bench.
Midfield
In Guardiola’s new system, John Stones has seamlessly fitted in midfield, operating in a deeper role to allow Rodri some creative freedom. The partnership of Stones and Rodri gives City’s backline great security.
Saturday’s Champions League final could very well be Ilkay Gundogan’s farewell game for City, and the German midfielder will lead the troops out in Istanbul. Having scored two big goals against United in the FA Cup final, Gundogan will love to get himself on the scoresheet again and bow out of City by winning the treble. He will be joined by creative genius Kevin de Bruyne as advanced 10s in the Man City lineup, with the latter capable of unlocking any defence in the world with his vision and flair.
Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva will look to cut in from wide areas and create chances in the final third. Two fantastic dribblers of the ball, Grealish and Silva could cause mayhem if Inter players allow them time and space.
Similar to the FA Cup final, Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez will have to be content with spots on the bench.
Attack
Unsurprisingly, Erling Haaland will lead City’s attack against Simone Inzaghi’s side.
He has enjoyed a breathtaking debut season in England with 52 goals, but after firing blank against United in the FA Cup final, Haaland will be itching to get on the scoresheet on Saturday and end the season on a high note.