Barcelona will entertain Inter Milan at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night hoping to get another European win under their belt. The Catalans have already won both their group-stage matches in the UEFA Champions League this season and could solidify their chances of qualification with a win against Inter in midweek.
However, the Italian outfit would be no push-overs as they come into this encounter full of confidence after securing a fantastic derby victory against AC Milan last weekend. We can expect both sides to play some open, attractive football as they attempt to lay down a marker in front of a full house at the Nou Camp.
Team News
Barcelona
Lionel Messi will be out for the Catalans after he fractured his right arm against Sevilla last weekend. Valverde might opt to start with Ousmane Dembele in place of the injured Argentine star for this crucial clash at home against Inter.
Sergi Roberto is also expected to replace Nelson Semedo at the right-back position. Other than that, Valverde could name a relatively unchanged lineup from the weekend.
Inter Milan
The Italian giants will be without the services of Radja Nainggolan after the Belgian midfielder injured his ankle against AC Milan last weekend. Both Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic are significant doubts for this clash and would be in a race against time to be fit to face off against Barca at the Nou Camp.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona
Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Dembele, Suarez, Coutinho
Inter Milan
Handanovic; Vrsaljko, De Vrij, Skriniar, Asamoah; Brozovic, Vecino; Perisic, Martinez, Politano; Icardi
Key Men
Barcelona
Phillipe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele need to have a good game if the Catalans are to come away with all three points from this match. Gerard Pique will also have his hands full in midweek when he attempts to neutralise the threat of Mauro Icardi, who is currently one of the most in-form strikers in European football.
Inter Milan
Icardi will be Inter’s main goal-threat up top. However, Ivan Perisic also needs to provide adequate support for the Argentine in the attacking third. The centre-back pairing of Stefan de Vrij and Milan Škriniar would be tested by Barca’s terrific front three, so the duo has to rise to the challenge and keep the Catalans quiet on Wednesday night.
Odds
Barcelona win – 1/2
Draw – 19/5
Inter Milan win – 11/2
