Inter-Barcelona is a match for Champions League Week 3: live TV, streaming, odds and predictions
INTER – BARCELONA | Tuesday 21:00
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter know full well that they will be playing for qualification in the double-header with Barcelona. Not least because Bayern Munich’s double clash with Vikoria Plzen will almost certainly secure their passage to the round of 16. So, it’s all for the Nerazzurri, who certainly do not arrive very well to this delicate challenge. Not only because of the moment they are going through in the league, but also because of the injuries: Lukaku is out, as is Brozovic, and Lautaro remains in doubt: “We will decide together with the doctors before the match,” confirmed the Nerazzurri coach in the press conference. The hopes are there to see Toro on the pitch, and he wants to be there, also because he knows that the challenge has too high a value. The Nerazzurri coach also confirmed that Onana will be in goal. He will therefore relay with Handanovic, who is currently playing in the league but who could also lose his place as he is no longer a sure thing. But that’s another matter.
On the other hand, at home to Barcelona, things are going very well. Xavi’s team retook Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, taking advantage not only of their own victory over Mallorca thanks to the usual and unfailing goal from Lewandowski, but above all of Ancelotti’s team’s draw against Osasuna. Morale at a thousand, then, and awareness of being able to hit an Inter side that to define wounded is an understatement.
What could help the Nerazzurri? Definitely the boost of a San Siro full in every order of seats. But also the fact of playing for something that could also help in the championship. Yes, Inter need to win to put aside fear and ghosts. A help comes from Barcelona’s absences, not a few, especially in defence where Araújo and Koundé will be missing. Also out are Bellerín, Depay and De Jong.
Lewandowski
The Prediction
One goal per team. That is almost certain. To think, however, that the Nerazzurri could pull off the big one at the moment seems very difficult indeed. Already it would be great to keep the qualification discourse alive, hoping to have some big names available for next week when the return match is scheduled.
The likely line-ups for Inter v Barcelona
- INTER (3-5-2): Onana; Škriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Džeko, Lautaro Martínez.
- BARCELONA (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Piqué, Eric García, Alonso; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Dembélé, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2