The UEFA Champions League final between Inter Milan and Manchester City in Istanbul is guaranteed to be an exciting spectacle. Manchester City enters the match on the verge of completing a treble, having already won the FA Cup and the Premier League.
Despite their domestic supremacy, City has failed to win the Champions League since their takeover in 2008. Coach Pep Guardiola, a veteran of Champions League finals, is aiming for a third trophy as he has won two with Barcelona FC.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan will be a dangerous opponent for City, having finished third in Serie A. Inter’s momentum cannot be underestimated, as they have won 11 of their last 12 games, including the Coppa Italia final. They will, however, face a difficult battle against the English champions.
The tactical clash between the two clubs is interesting, with City’s possession-based approach set against Inter’s precise defensive approach and quick counter-attacks. Both teams have skills, but City’s ability to dominate the ball and Inter’s ability to break down make for an exciting tactical clash.
Will Kyle Walker play in the high-octane game?
In the prestigious game, Manchester City is expected to field their strongest side, which will most likely be unchanged from their FA Cup final victory. The only worry is Kyle Walker’s minor back injury, which is unlikely to prevent him from playing in such an important match. Meanwhile, Inter Milan has good and bad news as both Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Milan Kriniar are expected to be fit to play, with Kriniar expected to start.
However, Joaquin Correa may miss out due to a calf injury. Notably, The teams have never played in a competitive game and will meet for the first time in the Champions League final on Saturday. They last met in a pre-season friendly in 2011, when Edin Deko, who is expected to start up front for Inter, scored one of City’s three goals in a 3-0 victory.
