Released West Ham striker Michail Antonio has made a bold call ahead of this seasonβs European campaign, backing Manchester City to reclaim their Champions League crown.
Our #UCL campaign begins tonight! β¨
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 18, 2025
City vs Napoli. 20:00 (UK) π©΅ pic.twitter.com/Y88YsccHcR
City Still Among Europeβs Elite
Despite what many considered a below-par campaign last year, Pep Guardiolaβs side still finished comfortably inside the Premier Leagueβs 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.
Antonioβs Predictions
Speaking to TNT Sports, Antonio was asked to predict winners across UEFAβs 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 Europeβs 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 Guardiolaβs squad.
βA lot of important people left,β Haaland told Sky Sports. βSo 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 itβs not easy.β
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 Antonioβs prediction is to come true, Cityβs 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)
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— 433 (@433) September 18, 2025
A true Man City πππππ‘π returns tonight with Napoli, where heβs enjoyed a flying start βοΈ
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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.
π Key Context & Talking Points
- This is Cityβs opening match of the 2025/26 Champions League league phase.
- Kevin De Bruyne returns to the Etihad, now playing for Napoli. Itβs an emotional homecoming for him with City fans.
- Watch out for Erling Haaland β heβs expected to lead Cityβs attack and will be crucial if City want a strong start.
