UEFA Champions League
Tottenham vs Inter Preview
Tottenham face Inter on Wednesday in a crucial Champions League encounter at Wembley Stadium.
Spurs Champions League hopes lie in the balance and they have to win against the Nerazzurri to stay in the competition.
Even if they do win on Wednesday, they are likely to have to defeat Barcelona at the Camp Nou to qualify.
Meanwhile, Inter know they only need a draw to book a place in the last 16, thanks to their victory against Tottenham at the San Siro on matchday one.
Tottenham have been in great form of late, winning their last five games in all competitions.
For Inter, they have nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions and defeated Frosinone 3-0 at the weekend.
Team News
Tottenham defenders Kieran Trippier and Davidson Sanchez are both out injured.
Also, midfielders Moussa Dembele and Victor Wanyama are both missing due to injury.
However, Jan Vertonghen could return to the starting line-up after returning to the matchday squad for the 3-1 victory over Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Inter are almost at full strength, with only Croatian full back Sime Vrsaljko out injured due to a thigh injury.
Previous Encounters
One of the most famous meetings between Tottenham and Inter came in 2010.
Goals from Rafael Van der Vaart, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko helped Spurs defeat the then European Champions Inter at White Hart Lane.
This is the sixth meeting between the sides in European competition. As yet no side has managed to win away from home.
The last time they met two late goals from Mauro Icardi helped secure all three points for Inter.
Predicted Line-Ups
Tottenham (4-3-3) Lloris; Aurier, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Davies; Sissoko, Dier, Eriksen; Alli, Kane, Son
Inter (4-2-3-1) Handanovič; D’Ambrosio, De Vrij, Skriniar, Asamoah; Vecino, Brozović; Politano, Nainggolan, Perišić; Icardi
Match Prediction
This is arguably Tottenham’s biggest game of the season so far. After a slow start to their Champions League campaign, victory against PSV last time out has given them some hope of progressing.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been in great form recently and put in their best performance of the season at the weekend against Chelsea.
If they play to the same level against Inter, then Spurs should have too much for the Nerazzurri.
Having said that Inter have been in good form themselves, having won eight of their last nine Serie A games.
Their hopes will rely on star striker Mauro Icardi who has been in great form so far this season.
The Argentine has scored three goals in the Champions League in four appearances.
This will be a big test for Inter and it will be interesting to see how they cope with the intensity that Tottenham can play at.
Inter have the quality to secure at least a draw. But given Spurs current form expect them to emerge victorious and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Inter
Photo credit to Donald Trump via Flickr
