Released West Ham striker Michail Antonio has made a bold call ahead of this seasonโs European campaign, backing Manchester City to reclaim their Champions League crown.
Our #UCL campaign begins tonight! โจ
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 18, 2025
City vs Napoli. 20:00 (UK) ๐ฉต pic.twitter.com/Y88YsccHcR
City Still Among Europeโs Elite
Despite what many considered a below-par campaign last year, Pep Guardiolaโs side still finished comfortably inside the Premier Leagueโs top five and booked their spot in the Champions League. The squad has seen plenty of turnover since lifting the trophy two years ago, but Antonio insists the rebuild at the Etihad is moving in the right direction.
Antonioโs Predictions
Speaking to TNT Sports, Antonio was asked to predict winners across UEFAโs competitions. He confidently chose Manchester City for the Champions League, while surprisingly naming Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace as his picks for the other European tournaments.
When it came to who could fire City to glory, there was no hesitation: Erling Haaland. Antonio tipped the Norwegian striker to finish as Europeโs top scorer this season, carrying City towards another Champions League title.
Haaland Taking on More Responsibility
Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has been nothing short of sensational for City. He has already notched five goals for his club this season and added another six for Norway on international duty.
The striker recently admitted he is stepping into more of a leadership role following several high-profile departures from Guardiolaโs squad.
โA lot of important people left,โ Haaland told Sky Sports. โSo new people have to come in and make a difference. People that have been here for years, me, I have to take more responsibility. I have to guide the team and help the new ones settle because itโs not easy.โ
Ready to Reach New Heights
With new teammates such as Tijjani Reijnders building chemistry alongside him, Haaland looks primed to elevate his game further. If Antonioโs prediction is to come true, Cityโs No.9 will almost certainly be the one leading the charge back to the summit of European football.
Manchester City kickstart their Champions League campaign tonight at the Etihad against Napoli, with kick-off at 20:00 (UK)
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅน๐คฉ
— 433 (@433) September 18, 2025
A true Man City ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ returns tonight with Napoli, where heโs enjoyed a flying start โ๏ธ
๐๐'๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฟ pic.twitter.com/ApIRb0jX40
Match Details
- Date: Thursday 18 September 2025
- Kick-off time: 20:00 BST (UK time)
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Where & How to Watch
- In the UK: live on TNT Sports 2. Also streaming via Discovery+ and Amazon Prime Video for those with access.
๐ Key Context & Talking Points
- This is Cityโs opening match of the 2025/26 Champions League league phase.
- Kevin De Bruyne returns to the Etihad, now playing for Napoli. Itโs an emotional homecoming for him with City fans.
- Watch out for Erling Haaland โ heโs expected to lead Cityโs attack and will be crucial if City want a strong start.
