Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Both Manchester City and Inter Milan are showcasing powerful attacks in their respective leagues at the start of the season. This rematch of the 2023 Champions League final at the Etihad Stadium is expected to be an open contest, as both teams boast a wealth of star players in their offensive lines.
Manchester City
Unlike Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester City have been flawless in the Premier League so far. In four matches, they were the first to surpass the 10-goal mark (11 goals), with Erling Haaland leading the pack with six goals more than his nearest rivals (9 goals). In terms of xG, the team is in the top three (9.00), with only Aston Villa (9.31) and Liverpool (9.92) slightly ahead in creating chances.
Inter Milan
Inter's start to their domestic campaign has been less smooth, with two wins and two draws. However, their attack appears even more versatile than Manchester City's. August's Serie A Player of the Month, Marcus Thuram, has been in excellent form (4+2), and with a three-centre-back formation, Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries consistently join the attack. Nevertheless, the team has shown defensive frailties, with 4.04 xGA over 360 minutes in the league.
Manchester City vs Inter Milan Prediction
The low-scoring 2023 final (1:0 to Manchester City) is unlikely to be repeated on Wednesday. With less pressure at the start of the group stage, both teams can afford to play a more entertaining brand of football with plenty of chances. Inter are unlikely to secure three points in Manchester, but they will certainly test the tournament's main favourite.
