On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Italian giants Inter Milan will host German giants RB Leipzig at the legendary Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in a crucial Champions League clash.
Both teams want to consolidate their positions in the group stage. Inter want to maintain their unbeaten start and Leipzig want to bounce back after a series of disappointing results.
Game preview
Inter Milan have made a strong start to the Champions League, picking up nine points from their first four games.
The Nerazzurri have been particularly impressive defensively and have kept a clean sheet in all European games so far. Inter’s key performers were striker Marcus Thuram, who scored three goals, and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who dictated play from the middle of the park.
However, the team has been affected by the recent injury to captain Lautaro Martinez, whose availability remains uncertain.
RB Leipzig, on the other hand, had problems in the Champions League and lost all four games so far. The German team suffered from defensive errors, conceding nine goals and failing to maintain their lead.
Still, they were solid domestically and finished third in the Bundesliga. Striker Benjamin Sesko was a bright spot, scoring three goals in the Champions League, while winger Antonio Nusa has been in fine form for both club and country.
Inter Milan’s form has been largely positive, with just one defeat in their last 16 games across all competitions. They go into this game with a convincing 5-0 win Hellas Verona in Serie A.
RB Leipzig, on the other hand, have lost three of their last six games, including a 3-1 defeat against Celtic in their last Champions League game.
Head to head
This will be the first meeting between Inter Milan and RB Leipzig in European competition. The two sides have never faced each other before, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Team news
Inter Milan will be sweating over the fitness of Lautaro Martinez, who returned late from international duty and has since been struck by a virus. Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is also questionable due to a thigh injury.
At RB Leipzig, Eljif Elmas and Yussuf Poulsen sustained injuries during international duty, while Xavi Simons and David Raum are also out.
Expected starting lineups:
Inter Milan: (3-5-2)
Summer;
Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni;
Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco;
Thuram, Taremi
RB Leipzig: (3-4-1-2)
Gulacsi;
Klostermann, Orban, Lukeba;
Henrichs, Haidara, Seiwald, Nusa;
Baumgartner;
Openda, Sesko
forecast
It promises to be a closely contested affair with both teams desperate for points. Inter Milan’s solid defensive record and home advantage should give them an advantage, but RB Leipzig’s attacking threat means they cannot be ruled out.
The Nerazzurri’s experience and organization in big games could make the difference and we predict a narrow 2-1 win for the Italian side.
- Result prediction: Inter Milan – RB Leipzig 2:1
Betting tips
– Inter Milan wins: Inter Milan are favorites to win all three points due to their strong home form and defensive resilience.
– Over 2.5 goals: Since both teams have strong attacking options, this game could be a high-scoring encounter.
– Marcus Thuram can score at any time: The French striker has been in impressive form for Inter and could score the goal.