Erling Haaland will aim to continue his incredible form as Manchester City face Inter Milan in their Champions League opener tonight, with no new injury concerns for Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The Norwegian striker has already netted nine goals in just four Premier League games this season, and now turns his attention to Europe’s elite competition. City will be competing under the new Champions League format, and Haaland, with 41 goals in 39 Champions League appearances, looks poised to add to his tally. If City were to reach the final without finishing in the top eight of the league phase, they could face a total of 17 matches in this campaign.

Guardiola hinted that Haaland might sit out last weekend’s Premier League match against Brentford following the death of a close family friend, but the striker started and scored twice in that game. He is expected to lead the attack once again at the Etihad this Wednesday.

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Midfield anchor Rodri, who made his season debut with 45 minutes against Brentford, could see extended playtime as Guardiola works to improve his fitness ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal.

Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias are also likely to return to the starting XI after being named on the bench for the previous game. Meanwhile, Josko Gvardiol could slot in at left-back, with Rico Lewis potentially stepping aside.

On the injury front, Oscar Bobb remains unavailable after suffering a severe injury just before the season began, and Nathan Ake is also sidelined.

Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodri, Gundogan; Silva, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland

Injured: Bobb, Ake

Kickoff time and date: 8 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Venue: Etihad Stadium

TV Channel: TNT Sports 1