Manchester City begin their 2026 pre-season campaign in Hong Kong with a friendly against Inter Milan on Saturday, marking Enzo Maresca's first match in charge. The Sky Blues arrive with a heavily depleted squad, featuring mostly youth prospects and a few senior players like Phil Foden and Joško Gvardiol.
Who is missing for Manchester City?
Key players including Erling Haaland, Rodri (sidelined after minor back surgery), and new signing Elliot Anderson are absent due to extended post-World Cup breaks or injuries. Jack Grealish is recovering from a foot injury, while Kalvin Phillips did not travel due to an impending loan move. John Stones, recently transferred to Inter Milan, will not face his former club.
What is Inter Milan's situation?
Inter Milan, under Cristian Chivu, also face squad constraints with captain Lautaro Martínez and other key players still on holiday. New signings Ivan Provedel and Aleksandar Stankovic could make their debuts. The Italian champions carry momentum after an unbeaten end to last season, including a Coppa Italia win over Lazio.
How do the teams compare in form?
Manchester City finished second in the Premier League last season with 64 points, six behind leaders Arsenal, scoring 63 goals and conceding 28. Their recent form was mixed, winning the FA Cup but losing their final league game to Aston Villa. Inter Milan, meanwhile, ended their season strongly, going unbeaten in their last four domestic matches.
What are the predicted lineups?
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Lewis, Reis, Khusanov, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez; Savinho, Reijnders, Foden, Monga; Mubamba.
Inter Milan: Martinez; Bisseck, Bovio, Augusto; Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Stankovic, Dimarco; Iddrissou, Esposito.
The match kicks off at 12:30pm BST at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon City, Hong Kong.
