sport news TEAM PREDICTIONS: Pep Guardiola wouldn't dare drop Rodri for this final as the ... trends now

The stage is set, the stadium is ready, the Champions League trophy has been polished and we are now less than 24 hours away from European football's showpiece event.

Manchester City and Inter Milan will go head-to-head in the Champions League final tomorrow night, and there is plenty on the line for both sides.  

The talk of the week has been over whether Pep Guardiola's team can end their obsession and dream of winning European football's greatest honour after it has evaded them for so long. Undoing the heartache of 2021 by finally clinching the Champions League, and with it, a historic Treble, there is a lot riding on the game tomorrow for the Citizens. 

Equally, Simone Inzaghi's side are out to win their fourth European Cup and end a 13 year wait for a Champions League title, with their last coming in 2010 under Jose Mourinho. 

As the sun sets in Istanbul on the eve of the final, Mail Sport's Chris Sutton takes a look at how both teams could line up for the match.  

Ederson 9

Exceptional with his hands. Even better with his feet, as good as any midfielder. City feel safe with him in goal. 

Kyle Walker 8.5

No sulking when Guardiola questioned his tactical nous. Simply buckled down and got better. Looks undroppable now. 

Ruben Dias 8

City can send Stones into midfield because Dias is such a solid defender. He can hold the fort on his own. 

Manuel Akanji 8.5

What a steal at £15million. Just look at his stats: 39 starts, 15 clean sheets, two trophies, and maybe a third tonight. 

John Stones 9.5

I’ve loved watching Stones in his hybrid role. Clearly has a brilliant footballing brain. Others would have struggled. 

Rodri 9

Guardiola snubbed his defensive midfielder in the 2021 Champions League final. He wouldn’t dare drop Rodri now. 

Bernardo Silva 8

The Portuguese playmaker has flirted with leaving City, though they are better with him. Time for one last hurrah, perhaps.