The revamped UEFA Champions League format brings an exciting twist to this year's competition. Now expanded to 36 teams, the top eight automatically advance to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, teams ranked ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff to secure their spot as second-seeded, joining the others in the traditional knockout phase. Each club will play eight matches instead of the previous six.

Manchester City are favorites to reclaim the Champions League crown, and another win could be a fitting conclusion for Pep Guardiola if he decides to finish his contract in 2025. Over the past four seasons, City have become a European powerhouse, reaching two finals and winning one.

Their first final appearance ended in a loss to Chelsea, but they bounced back to defeat Inter Milan in the 2023 final, thanks to a decisive second-half goal from Rodri. In that match, Inter Milan were strong opponents, and had it not been for Romelu Lukaku's missed chances and City's goalkeeper Ederson's heroics, the result could have been different, with Inter lifting the trophy.

Inter Milan, however, made a powerful statement last season by comfortably winning Serie A, finishing 19 points ahead of rivals AC Milan. They suffered only two defeats, both against bottom-placed Sassuolo.

This season, both teams remain unbeaten in their domestic leagues. Manchester City are chasing a fifth consecutive Premier League title and have a perfect record after four matches. Inter Milan has also started strong, winning two of their first three matches, including a 4-0 victory over Atalanta. City are in top form, with six consecutive wins, including four in the Premier League, and have scored six goals while conceding just two at home.

City has only lost one match in regular time this year, the FA Cup final against Manchester United. Their last Champions League home game, a draw against Real Madrid, ended in a penalty shootout defeat. However, City were dominant at home last season, going unbeaten in all 19 Premier League games, scoring 51 goals and conceding just 16. They’ve won four of their last five matches at the Etihad Stadium, averaging 2.68 goals per game last season and 2.05 goals per game this season.

Inter Milan, meanwhile, excelled away from home last season, losing just one Serie A away match (to Sassuolo) and winning 15 of their 19 away games. They averaged 2.53 points per away game, outperforming their home form.

Inter are also in excellent shape, unbeaten in their last four matches, including a solid start to their league campaign with two wins and one draw. Their only away match this season ended in a 2-2 draw at Genoa.

While Manchester City should adjust well to the new Champions League format and are expected to secure a victory in their opening game, Inter Milan will pose a tough challenge.

With City on a six-game winning streak and Inter unbeaten in their last four, this encounter recalls their 2023 final showdown, where Rodri's goal sealed the win for City. Despite City conceding goals in two of their four Premier League games this season, they remain the favorites. Star striker Erling Haaland, in prolific form with back-to-back braces in his last three Premier League outings, will be one to watch.

Matchoutlook Prediction : Home Win (2-1)