Manchester City has started their Premier League season with an impressive 100% record, winning all four of their matches and standing as the only team in the league to achieve this feat. In contrast, Inter Milan remains unbeaten in Serie A but has drawn two of their four games, placing them third in the table. The match will kick off at 12:30 AM IST on September 20.
The Etihad Stadium has become a fortress for Pep Guardiola's side, who will begin the new-look Champions League format on home turf. Over the weekend, City narrowly defeated Brentford 2-1, with Yoane Wissa giving the visitors an early lead. However, Erling Haaland showcased his prowess by scoring two goals to secure the victory. Meanwhile, Inter Milan enjoyed a dominant 4-0 win against Atalanta but were held to a 1-1 draw against Monza at the weekend. Denzel Dumfries scored a crucial equalizer in the 88th minute after Dany Mota had put Monza ahead. Inter's two victories have come at home, while their away matches have both ended in draws.
As Inter prepares to visit Manchester City, they may face challenges, particularly as they have yet to secure an away win this season. In contrast, City remains formidable at home. Historically, City has won the Champions League once, most recently in 2023, while Inter has lifted the trophy three times, with their last title coming in 2010.
Head-to-Head
The last meeting between these teams was the only time they faced each other in the Champions League final in 2023, where Manchester City won 1-0, marking their first title with Rodri's memorable goal. Overall, City has won two of their three encounters, with Inter claiming victory in the remaining match—a friendly in 2010, where they won 3-0.
Team News
Manchester City will be without young talent Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake, who is recovering from an injury sustained while on international duty with the Netherlands. Bobb is still healing from a leg bone fracture that required surgery. However, Brazilian winger Savinho, who appeared to struggle with cramps during the Brentford game, has been confirmed fit by Guardiola. Rodri also made his first appearance of the season against Brentford and is expected to feature more prominently in this match. City typically employs a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes creative midfielders, quick transitions, and overlapping full-backs. They may adapt to a 3-2-4-1 shape in possession for greater control.
For Inter, they will miss defender Federico Dimarco and forward Marko Arnautovic, both of whom have not trained this week. Tajon Buchanan has been sidelined since the summer due to injury, limiting his contributions since joining the club in January.
Inter's tactical setup under manager Simone Inzaghi revolves around a 3-5-2 formation, emphasizing wing-back play and midfield dominance. The absence of Dimarco could hinder their attacking flow, as he has been vital in both defense and attack. Matteo Darmian may step in to fill this gap. Arnautovic's injury leaves Inter lacking depth in attack, which could put additional pressure on the strike partnership of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.
Predicted Line-Ups
Manchester City: Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Doku, Rodri, Kovacic, Savinho, De Bruyne, Silva, Haaland
Inter Milan : Sommer: Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni, Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Augusto, Martinez, Thuram
When and How to Watch
The match will be live on TNT Sports in the UK, kicking off at 8:00 PM BST (12:30 AM IST on September 20) and will also be available on various channels in the USA.
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