Around 75,000 will be present. Countless millions around the globe will be tuned in on TV. Another massive page in football history is about to be written.

Welcome to the UEFA Champions League Final, from Turkey, between Manchester City and Inter Milan.

The English champions are warm favourites with Betfred ahead of the match. The 90 minute betting sees City at 4/9, it’s then 7/2 the draw, and a huge 6/1 about Inter.

To lift the trophy, however it might be achieved, it’s City 1/5, and Inter 7/2.

There was no way we were going to go anywhere else for our Football Bet Of The Day on such an auspicious occasion. The most prestigious trophy in European club football is about to be secured, and it’s exactly where we need top be on Saturday, with our recommendation.

Football Bet of the Day – Saturday 10th June, 2023

• Ilkay Gundogan to score at any time @ 3/1

Date: Saturday 10th June, 2023
Time: 20:00
Location: Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey

German international Gundogan, who may or may not be leaving Manchester in the summer, has been in magnificent form for Manchester City of late. Pep Guardiola’s first City signing seven years ago when he took over, he’s consistently performed outstandingly among stellar midfield talents at City’s disposal over the period. He’s added some absolutely crucial goals, too.

Who can forget his heroics, as a substitute against Aston Villa, scoring the dramatic late brace that secured the PL title just over 12 months ago? It’s just seven days since he opened the scoring in the FA Cup Final, after just 12 SECONDS. A couple of seasons ago he couldn’t stop hitting the back of the net – 17 in all competitions, in ’20/21.

He’s hot once again – and I’m banking on that streak running all the way to the Atatürk Stadium on Saturday night.

Barca have been courting the 32-yr-old, along with others, but whatever happens his focus is sure to be 100% on the task in hand. Guardiola said of his midfield maestro that he plays huge games with the calm and ease of a five-a-side kickabout. Nerveless. That’s such an asset on these huge stages.

Born in Germany, he has Turkish parents, so any remotely neutral fans in Istanbul will surely be rooting for him on the night. Get the feeling it’s all written nicely in the stars? Me too.

For me, City should have won the Champions League two years ago when beaten by Chelsea. If Guardiola has an achilles heel it’s the ability to over-tinker, in his relentless pursuit of excellence.

No holding midfield steel on that fateful night in Porto, as Rodri (!) and Fernandinho started on the bench, leaving a midfield of Bernardo, Gundo and Foden, with KDB in an advanced position.

It simply didn’t work, and was hampered further when De Bruyne was involved in a collision with Rudiger which didn’t end well. I don’t think Pep is about to do anything similar on Saturday though, and his top XI has been revealed in the crucial crunch matches recently against Arsenal and Real at the Etihad.

That involves Bernardo on the right at the expense of Riyad Mahrez, but I’m wondering with the combative Portuguese looking a little flat after his Madrid brilliance whether Algerian ace Mahrez might get the nod on Saturday night? Grealish looks to continue to edge Foden on the left, but that must again be a close call.

Jack’s ball-carrying talents will be important, drawing plenty of fouls no doubt, as per. Italian defenders have a certain reputation to maintain, do they not? Goading and inviting those challenges could set up some great attacking situations.

Foden however has looked increasingly back to his best or close to, following injury. Pep’s eventual decision will be fascinating, but I’ll be flabbergasted if Gundo doesn’t start.

He’s been in magnificent form, and will be fresh. Whichever way he goes, Guardiola has a fit squad to choose from and an enviable one at that.

Inter will be very dangerous IF given opportunities, but if City are in Arsenal/Real mindset territory it could be a very long evening for the Nerazzurri. One that a certain Ilkay Gundogan will no doubt grace with his customary poise and elegance – and hopefully a goal!

Enjoy this wonderful occasion. I understand BT are extending access to everyone to watch the match, not just their subscribers, so if you’re not lucky enough to be there, tune in and join in the fun.

Whatever the outcome it’s been another fantastic season for football, and we hope here at Betfred that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have.

As always, take care, have fun, and we’ll see you soon.

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The post Football Bet of the Day: Gundo’s hot, and can deliver Champions League glory on Saturday appeared first on Betfred Blog.