The 2023 Champions League final provided a crowning moment for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, as they became just the second English club side to win the treble in one season. That day, they defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in a final that was far closer than had been imagined, with the Italians arguably unlucky to lose despite the odds being severely against them.
Since then, both sides have won league titles, City doing so for the fourth year in a row in England, albeit they did so by just two points compared to Inter’s yawning 19-point margin in Serie A. So far this term, both are unbeaten, with City’s 100% winning record in tact after holding on to a 2-1 victory over Brentford, though inter have dropped points in both away games, drawing both while winning their two games at San Siro. City are 8/15 favourites to beat their counterparts again, with Inter at a best price of 11/2.
Manchester City vs Inter Predictions
Tip #1 – Marcus Thuram to Score First @ 12/1 with Paddy Power and Betfair
It has inevitably been a quick start from Guardiola’s side in the Premier League, four wins out of four recorded without too much fuss or fanfare. The unusual thing about their opening exchanges however has been their propensity to concede early. All of Ipswich, West Ham and Brentford have denied them clean sheets, with all having done so in the first 20 minutes.
Indeed, Sammie Szmodics did so for the Tractor Boys inside seven minutes, while Yoann Wissa’s header at the weekend was netted after just 22 seconds, the fastest Premier League goal of the season so far. The Sky Blue tidal wave then imposed itself, spearheaded of course by Erling Haaland’s inexorable form, but their defence has been vulnerable to early strikes. Simone Inzaghi will be keen to exploit any frailties should they exist, and three of his side’s nine league goals so far have come inside ten minutes.
Marcus Thuram, rather than Lautaro Martinez, has been their firing front man in their opening games, scoring braces on the opening day against Genoa, then two more at home to Atalanta. While his goals have all come later in those matches, the Frenchman’s deployment centrally alongside Martinez has proven lethal this season, with Thuram using his strength and 6ft 4in frame to good effect for three of his four goals this term. He could make City pay if they miss the break again.
Tip #2 – Half Time/Full Time Inter/Man City @ 22/1 with BetVictor
Though it is worth chancing that the hosts once again get caught unawares before finding their stride, this is easily the toughest of City’s opening five fixtures in this season’s Champions League. Though trips to Turin to face Juventus and Paris to take on French champions PSG will likely prove just as awkward, they may be able to put themselves in an unassailable position before then.
This will therefore be a match they target for three points with a strong setup. Though their squad has depth enough for some rotation, it is unlikely we will see Pep chance too many youngsters among a starting XI, and Erling Haaland will almost certainly be in attendance. The Norwegian did feature almost throughout City’s run to the quarter finals last season, missing just one game, but greater fixture congestion, plus the lack of Julian Alvarez in reserve, should see his legs rested more often.
Nevertheless, with so many European records in his sights and fresh from an extraordinary start, he and City may be able to power back should they fall behind. However, against a more stubborn and talented Inter team than any they have faced domestically to date, they may be kept waiting a little longer to even and then overturn the score.
Man City Performances So Far
It has been business as usual for the Citizens in the league, though they have found themselves conceding goals. Four wins from four are still hard to critique, but there could be enough weakness for their visitors to exploit.
Man City Recent Results (Premier League unless stated)
Man City 2-1 Brentford
West Ham 1-3 Man City
Man City 4-1 Ipswich
Chelsea 0-2 Man City
Man City 1-1 Man Utd* (Community Shield) *won 7-6 on pens
Champions League Predictions & Tips – Winner, Top Goalscorer & Specials Markets Analysed
The newly-updated Champions league kicks off for the 2024/25 season on Tuesday, spanning the entire midweek with games through to Thursday. We take a look at this year’s competition, giving you our best bets for the winner, top goalscorer, and one selection in the specials markets. Champions League Winner Prediction – Barcelona @ 16/1 with…
Mon 16 Sep 2024
How to Bet on Football – Football Betting Guide for Beginners
Tue 06 Aug 2024
Inter Milan Performances So Far
No defending champion has won Serie A since Juventus won their ninth title in a row in 2020. That weight of history will be tough on the Nerazzuri, and though they are unbeaten so far, they were frustratingly held to a draw at Monza on Sunday.
Inter Recent Results
Monza 1-1 Inter
Inter 4-0 Atalanta
Inter 2-0 Lecce
Genoa 2-2 Inter