After a long break, the UEFA Champions League is back with its Ro16. The first leg of the round will feature Inter Milan taking on Liverpool on Thursday, 17th February at 01:30 AM IST. The fixture will take place at the San Siro Stadium and hence, will be an away game for the Reds.
Inter Milan finished second in their group, five points behind Real Madrid. It will be the first time in a decade that the Nerazzurri are gonna compete in the UCL knockout stages. Hence, Simone Inzaghi’s men will be high on spirits to take on the six-time winners of the competition.
Inter Milan Champions League Form: D W W W L
On the other hand, Liverpool topped their table with a clean run – six wins in six games. Jurgen Klopp’s men have been in superb form throughout in the Premier League also. Hence, the former winners are likely to take the victory in this tie.
Liverpool Champions League Form: W W W W W
Team News
Inter Milan vs Liverpool: The Nerazzurri’s team news and injury updates:
The Nerazzurri will be without Joaquin Correa and Robin Gosens, who are recovering from thigh injuries. Nicolo Barella will be a big miss, who is currently undergoing suspension following his dismissal in the game against Real Madrid.
Alessandro Bastoni is expected to replace Federico Dimarco as the LCB in the back three formations, starting alongside Stefan De Vrij and Milan Skriniar. Arturo Vidal is expected to join Marcelo Brozovic and Hakan Calhanoglu in the middle, as a replacement for Barella.
Inter Milan Predicted Lineup:
Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Vidal, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Perisic; Martinez, Dzeko
Inter Milan vs Liverpool: The Reds’ team news and injury updates:
The Reds have no fresh injuries following their Premier League clash with Burnley. Klopp is expected to make a few tweaks in the starting XI, keeping in regard to their weekend PL game.
Skipper Jordan Henderson is likely to start, but it will be no surprise if he stays on the bench following a knock at the Turf Moor. Roberto Firmino will be making way to the sidelines, allowing Diogo Jota to take his spot in the middle of wingers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane
Our score predictions: Inter Milan 1-2 Liverpool
Even though the Reds are favorites to win, Inter are not a team to underestimate. With enough potential in the attack, Inzaghi’s men will definitely haunt the visitors’ backline. However, Klopp has no shortage of world-class attackers who are likely to outscore the opposition.
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