Man City Vs Inter Milan Lineups
1 hour 25 mins to KO
Ederson is back in goal for City as they look to avoid a third successive Champions League final defeat. Kyle Walker is a benchwarmer, with Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias starting in defence.
Inter Milan have a new manager in Simone Inzaghi but the Serie A side are familiar with these big games, having won three previous finals.
City XI
The two European powerhouses clash for the first time in competitive action at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium. Both sides will field their strongest possible lineups as they look to win the Champions League. City are one victory away from completing their historic treble, while Inter will try to end their long drought without a continental trophy.
Manchester City defenders will be key for the reigning Premier League champions on Saturday night. Kyle Walker looks set to keep his place at right-back, with John Stones dropping back into defence alongside Ruben Dias. The Argentine pair will be responsible for shielding the back four, while Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero link up with David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.
The left-back position may be more of a problem for Pep Guardiola, who could choose between Andre Onana and Manuel Akanji. However, the latter is likely to play because he has shown he can handle the defensive duties against some of the best teams in Europe.
Rodri is expected to start in the centre of midfield, where he will help shield the defence and create chances for City. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Ilkay Gundogan will sit in front of him, with Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish joining them in the attack.
Both sides are full of attacking options, but City have the better squad overall. Their young players will be expected to contribute and they are capable of causing problems for the opposition defence.
Defending will be a big priority for both sides but the winner will have to be more clinical on the day. Inter have a tendency to concede goals and they will need to be careful not to let in too many against the world’s most efficient side in defensive terms.
Milan Skriniar is expected to return to training after suffering a calf injury and could be drafted into the starting line-up, as will Argentine forward Joaquin Correa. Striker Edin Dzeko is likely to be preferred up top over on-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. Inter’s defensive unit is bolstered by Stefan de Vrij, who has been excellent since returning from a back injury.
Inter XI
Inter Milan hope to add a first European trophy to their growing haul with Simone Inzaghi’s men in the Champions League final against Manchester City. The Italian side have already secured the Coppa Italia and have been a consistent force in the league this season. But they have to be on their guard against the juggernaut that is City who have won every game this campaign.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made just two changes from the line-up that thrashed Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final last weekend. Ederson replaces Kyle Walker at goalkeeper and Nathan Ake comes in to partner John Stones at centre-back. Ilkay Gundogan is a starter while Bernardo Silva is paired with Kevin de Bruyne in midfield.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been passed fit for the final but will only be available as a substitute. The former Arsenal and Manchester United midfielder had been out with a thigh injury and only returned to training on Thursday. Joaquin Correa is also fit to play but will probably only feature on the bench as he battles a calf problem. Edin Dzeko will partner Lautaro Martinez up front for the Serie A champions.
Milan’s teenage prodigy Stephan El Shaarawy has taken Serie A by storm with his pace and trickery this season and the former Porto striker could be in for a start in Istanbul. The Rossoneri are light in central defence with Wesley Sneijder nursing a thigh issue that is unlikely to heal before the game.
The other notable inclusion for the Serie A giants is Andrea Ranocchia, who has been in top form at the back for the club this season. The Argentina international is likely to keep his place in the team ahead of Stefan de Vrij and Milan Skriniar, who will both be hoping to feature in their first European finals for the club.
City Subs
The game is a huge one for both sides. City are a win away from completing a remarkable treble and Inter have not won the Champions League in 20 years. The former is likely to be the favourites to lift the trophy, but they need a strong performance from their players to get over the line.
Ederson has been named as City’s starting goalkeeper and he will be assisted by the likes of Walker, Dias and Akanji. Stones and Rodri are expected to be at the heart of the defence while Bernardo Silva will look to support De Bruyne.
It is a strong side from City and they will be looking to improve on their first half display against Bayern Munich. Academy youngsters Cole Palmer and James McAtee will be given the chance to impress in this match.
The defenders will have to be on their guard early on, as Inter attack at speed. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is fit again after suffering a thigh injury, but he is only available as a substitute for this match. The former Arsenal man should be able to partner captain Milan Skriniar up front for Inter, with Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko supporting him.
Both teams are keen to maintain possession in this opening phase of the encounter. It was a good start to the contest from both teams, but there is a clear gap in quality between the two sides.
The first half begins with the Italians enjoying the majority of the ball. A flurry of tackles between the two sides ensue, as the referee looks to impose order. Walker clatters into De Paul at a corner and there is a kerfuffle on the touchline that sees him and Azpilicueta ejected. A corner comes from the set-piece and Oblak is unable to deal with it. City threaten again from a quick break, with a long-range shot by Foden causing problems. It goes just wide of the mark, though. The second half begins in similar fashion, with both teams keeping possession and attempting to get the ball into the final third.
Inter Subs
Despite being a heavy favorite, Manchester City are in for a tough match. Inter Milan are a team that can be difficult for any side to break down and they have been good on their home turf this season. The Nerazzurri won the Coppa Italia last weekend, which puts them at a good spot in this final.
The first half has been a quiet one for both teams, with just four shots being made in the whole period. It has been a very frustrating affair as City have not been able to get the ball into their attacking third and the hosts are looking strong on defense.
The City defenders seem to have been keeping an eye out for any potential counterattacks and they are dealing with it well so far. However, Inter are starting to look dangerous on the counterattack and they are trying to make good use of their speed up front. Dumfries sends a pass to Lautaro and the Argentine tries to shoot first-time but Ederson makes a save.
It was a great decision by the City goalkeeper and he kept his composure well to keep out the shot. The goalkeeper was also quick to react to the ball as he dived to his left to stop the shot from going over the crossbar.
Defending well from the front, City are looking to break through the resolute Inter defence and they are putting pressure on them. De Bruyne slips a pass to Haaland who is trying to shoot from close range but his effort goes wide.
The game is starting to pick up pace as both teams try to find a way to open the scoring in this second half. The hosts are dominating the possession and they are looking dangerous on the counterattack as well. The visitors are trying to create more chances and they are getting into some good positions on the flanks but they need to work harder to get into their attacking third. The City defence is doing a fantastic job so far and they are looking in good shape for the rest of the game.
