Inter vs Liverpool
Two title chasing teams in their respective countries look to one-up each other in an important first-leg clash as the round-of-16 begins.
Serie A champions Inter currently sit one point behind AC Milan in second, having played out a 1-1 draw with Napoli in their last league match. Despite a nervy loss to their arch rivals, the Nerazzurri are in pole position for defending their crown. Edin Dzeko has been a wrecking ball since his arrival last season while Hakan Calhanoglu and Ivan Perisic have provided able support. Inter have added Robin Gosens and Felipe Caicedo to further bolster the team.
🎙️ | DUMFRIES
🇳🇱 @DenzelJMD2 discusses #NapoliInter after a dynamic display at the Stadio Maradona 👇https://t.co/YynfPqN0BL
— Inter (@Inter_en) February 12, 2022
Their defence has been extremely sharp in the league which included conceding just five goals in the Champions League group stages. Nevertheless, they cannot afford to be complacent despite playing at home and if they can manage to avoid defeat, it will be a great result to set them up for the second leg.
Liverpool have been in imperious form of late, winning six out of their last six games across all competitions. Despite not having Sadio Mane and Mo Salah for January, they had zero defeats and have cut the gap to Manchester City to nine points. They have only strengthened by adding Luis Diaz to the attack who has made a very encouraging start.
Burnley battle 💪
Fab's form ⚽
Relishing Inter 🔜Get @andrewrobertso5's reaction to a well-earned three points on Sunday 👇
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 14, 2022
The Reds are one of the most well-rounded teams in the competition and have absolute world class players across all departments, most of whom were present for their triumph in 2019. Jurgen Klopp knows they will face an intimidating atmosphere at the San Siro but their attacking capabilities are certainly more cutting edge than their opponents.
Team news
Alessandro Bastoni’s return from injury for this crunch clash will likely need a final day evaluation from Simone Inzaghi and the doctors. Joaquin Correa remains out.
PROBABLE LINE-UP: Handanovic; De Vrij, Skriniar, Dimarco; Dumfries, Calhanoglu, Brozovic, Barella, Perisic; Martinez, Dzeko
Diogo Jota’s red hot form makes him virtually undroppable at the moment, but Sadio Mane has to be buzzing for his own comeback.
PROBABLE LINE-UP: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson; Fabinho, Keita, Thiago; Jota, Firmino, Salah
Gamechangers
In the absence of two of his strike partners, Diogo Jota has brilliantly shouldered the goal scoring responsibilities in the past month, alongside the ever-reliable Bobby Firmino. He has been an efficient finisher, and produced a goal and assist against Cardiff City last time, with more goal contributions definitely coming soon.
His 15 goals in all competitions hold him in good stead to kick on and score again this time. Inter have shown a vulnerability against players with quick feet inside the box and those who like to drive at pace, both of which Jota is.
Diogo Jota is the only Premier League player to score 5+ goals with his right foot, left foot and head this season:
⚽️ 6 x left
⚽️ 5 x head
⚽️ 5 x rightThe perfect centre-forward. ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/ReCbEs8MS4
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) February 10, 2022
Moreover, he is also an adept shooter from distance and has also helped in creating 24 chances so far. Jota will also look to play across the front line, drawing the defenders out of position and setting up shooting chances for his teammates. Liverpool have brilliant quick players who can exploit the sometimes-static backline.
One of the most exciting additions last season apart from Dzeko has been the free agent from Milan. Calhanoglu is one of the most creative playmakers in football and has been on fire since joining Inter. The attacking playmaker can operate brilliantly as a box-to-box midfielder who can also drift wide when necessary. Calhanoglu’s accurate passing and set-piece expertise is an added bonus as Roma found out when he scored direct from a corner.
Since November, Hakan Calhanoglu's been involved in the MOST GOALS (5 scored, 5 assists) out of any player in Europe’s Top 5 leagues 🇹🇷👍
📊 stat via Sky pic.twitter.com/xPVWXACFRg
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) December 18, 2021
The Turkish international will look to light up the high line played by Liverpool, and his track record proves he has been a menace against most other teams. If he can get a little bit of space to play his natural game and deliver some fantastic crosses, Inter will be in a good position to score.
Predictions
Liverpool are the clear favourites on paper, despite being the visitors. Inter will have their work cut out if they are to get a favourable result. FootTheBall predicts a 2-0 win for the Reds.
