Graham Ruthven: Champions League Final

Player to score – Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan proved the difference for Manchester City as they got the better of Manchester United in last weekend’s FA Cup final and the German will once again carry a goal threat in the Champions League final. Gundogan’s late runs into the box are frequently dangerous and his finishing has seemingly never been sharper.

Indeed, Gundogan has scored six goals in his last six games in all competitions. With Inter’s defence focused on stopping Erling Haaland and handling the physicality of the Norwegian striker, Gundogan could find pockets of space in and around the opposition penalty area to exploit.

Both Teams To Score 

Inter might be underdogs, but they have scored over 0.5 goals in five of their last six matches in all competitions. Indeed, Inzaghi’s team have found the back of the net at least once in each of their last 13 outings. City will likely control the majority of possession, but Inter will pose a serious threat in quick transition.

Inzaghi faces a difficult decision over who should start in attack for Inter, but many predict Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez will get the nod. The pair have an inherent understanding and both scored in the recent 3-2 win over Atalanta, demonstrating the attacking quality of the Nerazzurri when they are at their best.

Player to be booked – Nicolo Barella

Manchester City’s midfield is expected to control the majority of Saturday’s Champions League final, but Inter are also strongest in the centre of the pitch. This should set up a captivating clash with Marcelo Brozovic, Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella expected to start, although Henrikh Mkhitaryan could also be an option.

Barella is Inter’s most energetic central midfielder and will be charged with implementing a mid-block against City when they have the ball. This will present an occupational hazard to the Italian international who picked up yellow cards over the course of the 2022/23 Serie A season. Barella isn’t afraid to get stuck in.

Over 2.5 goals – Manchester City

City’s attack is fearsome. Not only do they have the most lethal centre forward in Europe at this moment in time in the shape of Haaland, the likes of Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Gundogan and de Bruyne have all hit double figures for goals this season. It might be too much firepower for Inter to cope in Istanbul.

Ilkay Gundogan scoring the FASTEST goal in FA Cup final history. pic.twitter.com/po4r9I4VEt

— City Report (@cityreport_) June 3, 2023

Guardiola’s team have scored at least once in each of their last seven Champions League matches and stuck four goals past Real Madrid in their last outing in the competition. If they hit their stride in Saturday’s final, Inter could be dismantled just as the defending champions were in the semi-finals.

Graham’s Bet Builder – Man City vs. Inter

Inter will surely attempt to disrupt Manchester City’s possession play as much as they can in Saturday’s Champions League final and that could make the match somewhat disjointed with the number of fouls, and cards. Gundogan, however, could be the player that makes the difference for the Premier League champions as they seek an historic Treble.

If City guard against getting caught out on the break, they should have the territorial advantage to ultimately break through and get their hands on the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history. It could be a momentous evening for Guardiola and his players in Istanbul.