Champions League final LIVE: Man City vs Inter Milan team news, score updates

Guardiola previews Man City's Champions League final against Inter

Manchester City are hoping to become the first English side to win the treble since 1999 with a victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final tonight. Pep Guardiola has had his heart set on enjoying European success at the Etihad Stadium and the Spaniard has not had a better chance in his career to date, with all the pieces falling into place at the club.

After a slow start to the season, City kicked into gear when it mattered and have looked somewhat unstoppable in all competitions. They cruised to success in the FA Cup over Manchester United before pipping Arsenal to the Premier League title, and they have been equally as rampant on the European stage when beating Bayern Munich and Real Madrid on their way to the final.

In contrast, Inter have endured a rollercoaster of a campaign that saw them finish just third in the Serie A but find their best form in cup competitions. Simone Inzaghi’s side recently secured won the Coppa Italia and will be hoping to make it a double with a shock win over City.

Express Sport will keep you up to date with all the latest news from Istanbul…

City starting XI

Despite Kyle Walker declaring himself fit earlier this week, Pep Guardiola has opted not to risk the England international against Inter.

City starting XI: Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Stones, Rodri, Grealish, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Silva, Haaland

Delay fears

Fears are growing in Istanbul that the final could be delayed.

The Inter players have already taken in their surroundings at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium and strolled around the pitch, with their supporters packed into the stadium.

However, City supporters are struggling to make their way to the stadium due to traffic issues – with their team boss only recently arriving.

We’ll keep you updated, but UEFA look like they will come under fire again…

Fabregas plays down Guardiola ‘needing’ to win

Cesc Fabregas believes that tonight’s match will not impact Pep Guardiola’s reputation as being one of the best managers in the business.

Manchester City can write themselves into the history books with a victory over Inter Milan, which will see them clinch the treble.

They will become the latest English club to achieve such a feat since Sir Alex Ferguson guided Manchester United to that level of success in 1999.

Asked by BT Sport whether winning the treble would make Pep Guardiola the greatest manager of all-time, Fabregas replied: “Well, that’s a tough one, but I would think so because for me he already is! No disrespect to anybody else, because obviously what Fergie did in ’99 and throughout his career, and many other coaches I haven’t seen in my time.

“But the way he [Guardiola] changed football, the way he sees football, the way us players have fun on a daily basis by being coached by him. So I think this matters at the same time, because it’s not only just about winning. It’s about the process, it’s about what’s happening through this pathway that comes along the way and I think he ticks all the boxes in that.”

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s live blog of Manchester City and Inter Milan’s Champions League final.

With so much on the line, everyone is expecting a match to remember in Turkey, with the pressure largely on the shoulders of Pep Guardiola’s side.

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