Former Premier League star Joe Cole believes Manchester City will likely win the game against Inter ‘comfortably’ to win the Champions League – but says the Italians may have a chance if Andre Onana has the game of his life.
There are now just a few days until the biggest game of the whole season for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Fresh from winning the FA Cup against Manchester United, City are going preparing to take on the Italian giants in Istanbul.
Pep Guardiola and Simon Inzaghi have both spoken ahead of the final, as have a number of players from both teams.
The eyes of the footballing world will be on the game, and many have made their predictions for the game.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe will be an interested spectator.
He was at the Spanish Grand Prix at the weekend and said that he would be watching, and tipped City to get the job done.
A lot of people think that it could be a close affair. While City are favourites, Inter are there for a reason and are a good team.
But in the eyes of Cole, City will have no issues and scoop their first ever Champions League title. But the former winger does reckon Inter have a very small chance if Onana performs.
He said Michael Calvin’s Football People podcast: “I think Man City will win the game comfortably. I do. No Man City fans probably want me to be as blase about it as that. If Inter win the game, it’ll be a smash and grab, let’s be honest. There’s no way they can go toe-to-toe. It’ll be one of those games where Inter have two shots and score one, Man City have 30 and the ‘keeper has the game of his life. I really can’t see them (winning).”
“Regardless of the score, I’ll be stunned even if it’s a level game in the sense of chances. Man City are too good.”
Onana will definitely be in goal on Saturday.
The 27-year-old will be looking to be on top form. Guardiola did actually mention him in his pre-match press conference yesterday, branding him ‘exceptional’.
Joe Cole is confident but Manchester City fans will not be as Champions League final with Inter looms
Cole has certainly not sat on the fence here and strongly believes City will win on Saturday.
City should get the job done. But it just isn’t as simple as that.
Inter know they are underdogs. And there is huge expectation and pressure on City, to win a piece of silverware that has long eluded them. Onana could be busy and will certainly be looking to put in an inspired display.
A lot of City fans will be very anxious on Saturday.
But hopefully, the players can block out such feelings, put in the performance of their lives, and not crumble.
