A considerable drop in form has seen Inzaghi’s men concede the top spot in the league. As Milan sit atop the Serie A table, Inter still have a game in hand to reclaim the position. But, before the league drama unfolds in the final phase of an exhilarating season, Inter will play Liverpool over two legs in the UCL round of 16. Moreover, the Inter vs Liverpool game marks Inter’s return to the Champions League knockouts after a decade.
As Giuseppe Meazza hosts one of the most in-form sides in Europe, Inter are far from the favourites. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool haven’t dropped a single point in the Champions League so far. And that comes after they got the toughest group in the competition in the shape of Atletico and Milan. Simone Inzaghi’s Inter might well be the underdogs in this tie with a considerable drop in form. But, Inter surely have the firepower and will to give Klopp’s men a tough time.
Statistics and Encounters for Inter vs Liverpool
Inter’s drop in form should be a concern for worry in the camp. In the same vein, the Nerazzurri threw away the Derby against Milan, conceded an early penalty to Napoli and somehow scrapped to wins against Empoli and Venezia. Liverpool on the other hand have won their last five games convincingly and show no signs of slowing down.
Inter’s form: D-W-L-W-W
Liverpool’s form: W-W-W-W-W
Inter have conceded easy goals in the recent fixtures and have struggled to score with the same intensity. More importantly, Lautaro and de Virj’s form are a visible concern for the club now. On top of that, Handanovic is not as good as he used to be in goal.
With the return of Salah and Mane from the African Cup of Nations and Elliot’s return from injury, Liverpool look very strong. They haven’t put a step wrong since Christmas. But, San Siro can be an intimidating place to visit and Inter can really be a handful on their day as per Di Canio who’s putting his bet on Inter.
Suspension, Injuries and Team News
Winter signing Gosens will continue to be on the sidelines along with Correa as both recover from Hamstring Injuries. Also, Nicolo Barella is suspended for both legs against Liverpool for his red card in the final group game. Bastoni is likely to return to the starting eleven after recovering from his ankle injury.
Lastly, Divock Origi is the only player who will not be available for Liverpool on their trip to Milano.
Probable Lineups
Inter (3-5-2): Handanovic(C), Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni, Dumfries, Brozovic, Gagliardini, Calhanoglu, Perisic, Sanchez, Dzeko
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson, Thiago, Henderson(C), Fabinho, Salah, Jota, Mane
Prediction of Inter vs Liverpool UCL Game
Inter: 1
Liverpool: 2
