UEFA Champions League
Barcelona vs Inter Milan Preview
Barcelona and Inter Milan face off Wednesday for Group B’s third match at Camp Nou.
Inter have won their last seven games in all competitions, including the Derby della Madonnina.
Meanwhile, Barcelona earned a 4-2 win over Sevilla but at the cost of losing Argentinian star Lionel Messi to an elbow injury.
Nevertheless, Barcelona have been perfect in their Champions League campaign this season.
Team News
Ernesto Valverde has named his 18-man squad for their match against the Nerazzurri. In Messi’s replacement, the crow-acclaimed Malcom finally gets the call-up.
On the other hand, Inter boss Luciano Spalletti will have a 19-man roster at his disposal.
However, Inter will be without Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan. Additionally, Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic are serious doubts for Spalletti.
The 30-year-old Nainggolan suffered a serious ankle injury that could keep him out for a while.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will be shorthanded once again in defense with Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen out with injury. Messi, as everyone already knows, will also be sideline for several weeks with a broken elbow.
Despite this, Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba believes they can pull it off without Messi’s presence:
“Leo is a big loss. We all play better with him on the field. We’ll have to bring out our best and we’re quite capable of doing that.”
Predicted Lineup
Barcelona starting XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Sergi Roberto; Dembele, Luis Suarez, Malcom.
Inter Milan starting XI: Handanovic; Vrsaljko, De Vrij, Skriniar, Asamoah; Vecino, Brozovic; Politano, Borja Valero, Perisic; Icardi.
Prediction
Barcelona have won four of their five meetings against Inter in all competitions. Additionally, they are unbeaten in their past 13 Champions League home games against Italian sides. Lastly, Barcelona have won 25 of their past 27 home Champions League games.
Meanwhile, Inter are looking to be unbeaten in their first three Champions League matches since the 2004-05. Additionally, the Italian side has won their past two Champions League games despite conceding first goal. Something that Valverde made emphasis in his press conference on Tuesday.
Despite being without Messi, Barcelona have a huge edge on Inter as far as firepower is concerned with Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele. This will be their opportunity to step up alongside Arthur who have made several starts since joining from Gremio.
Barcelona 3 – 2 Inter Milan
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