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Can Inter's defense withstand the relentless attack of Manchester City in the Champions League showdown?

The UEFA Champions League nights are officially back. The 2024/25 season once again brings some of the most exciting fixtures, of course with a unique twist in the group stages this time. After Tuesday’s Matchday 1, we have Manchester City hosting Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. One can call it a rematch of the 2022/23 UCL final where Pep Guardiola and Co. clinched a narrow victory against the Serie A giants to win their first-ever European cup.

The Citizens are entering the match with a close 2-1 victory over Brentford over the weekend. Thanks to the superb form of Erling Haaland, his brace was enough to clinch the crucial three points. The Norwegian would be looking to score against the Italians this time, who have netted 9 goals within four Premier League matches. Meanwhile, Inter Milan enters the European stage with a shocking 1-1 draw over Monza. In over four Serie A games so far, they have managed to clinch 2 victories and 2 draws, taking up third place in the table. Yet, that won’t stop Simeone Inzaghi’s side from annoying City.

Manchester City vs Inter Milan: Team news

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Injuries

Manchester City

Oscar Bobb remained one of the sole injury concerns, as he continues to recover from a leg fracture. However, Nathan Ake has now joined him on the sidelines. The center-back was forced off during the Netherlands vs. Germany match on Tuesday and has been sidelined with a muscle injury until after the next international break in mid-October. But the good news is that Rodri, who has been AWOL since lifting the Euros with Spain, is back for action and brings winning luck with himself.

Inter Milan

Luckily, Simeone Inzaghi has just one injury concern as Tajon Buchanan won’t be available at his manager’s disposal. The versatile winger is currently nursing a fractured tibia which he sustained while playing for Canada at the Copa America this summer. Meanwhile, the rest of the squad is in good shape, with key players like defender Alessandro Bastoni and midfielder Nicolo Barella expected to be called up. Barella, who recently had sinus surgery, was an unused substitute in the previous match.

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Can Inter's defense withstand the relentless attack of Manchester City in the Champions League showdown?

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Predicted lineups

Manchester City[4-2-3-1]: Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland.

Inter Milan[3-5-2]: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez

Head-to-head stats and prediction for Man City vs Inter in UCL

Total matches: 1

Won by Man City: 1

Won by Inter: 0

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Draw: 0

via Reuters

Simeone Inzaghi’s Inter is surely coming to Etihad to seek revenge for the final that took place two years ago. On the contrary, City would be keen to keep up with their winning form even at the European stage. Though one can call it a close encounter, we reckon the score will be Manchester City 2-1 Inter Milan.

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Watch Manchester City vs Inter Milan UEFA Champions League on TV Channels and live stream

Manchester City vs Inter Milan will kick off at 20:00 BST. Fans in the United Kingdom can livestream on Amazon Prime Video. Meanwhile, ardent supporters can catch the action live on Paramount+ and TUDN USA.

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