On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Italian giants Inter Milan will host German powerhouse RB Leipzig at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in a crucial Champions League clash.

Both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the group stage, with Inter seeking to maintain their unbeaten start and Leipzig aiming to bounce back from a series of disappointing results.

Match Preview

Inter Milan have made a strong start to their Champions League campaign, picking up 9 points from their opening 4 matches.

The Nerazzurri have been particularly impressive defensively, keeping clean sheets in all their European games so far. Key performers for Inter have been striker Marcus Thuram, who has scored 3 goals, and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who has dictated play from the center of the park.

However, the team has been hampered by the recent injury to captain Lautaro Martinez, whose availability remains uncertain.

RB Leipzig, on the other hand, have struggled in the Champions League, losing all 4 of their matches to date. The German side has been plagued by defensive lapses, conceding 9 goals and failing to maintain leads.

Nonetheless, they have been solid domestically, sitting third in the Bundesliga. Striker Benjamin Sesko has been a bright spot, scoring 3 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 loss in their last 16 games across all competitions. They come into this match off the back of a convincing 5-0 victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A.

RB Leipzig, on the other hand, have lost 3 of their last 6 games, including a 3-1 defeat to Celtic in their previous Champions League outing.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first-ever 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 on the fitness of Lautaro Martinez, who returned late from international duty and has since been struck by a virus. Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is also a doubt due to a thigh injury.

For RB Leipzig, Eljif Elmas and Yussuf Poulsen have both picked up injuries while on international duty, while Xavi Simons and David Raum are also sidelined.

Predicted Starting Line-ups:

Inter Milan: (3-5-2)

Sommer;

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

Prediction

This promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams desperate for the points. Inter Milan’s solid defensive record and home advantage should give them the edge, but RB Leipzig’s attacking threat means they cannot be ruled out.

The Nerazzurri’s experience and organization in big games could prove the difference, and we predict a narrow 2-1 win for the Italian side.

• Score Prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 RB Leipzig

Betting Tips

– Inter Milan to win: Considering their strong home form and defensive resilience, Inter Milan are the favorites to secure all three points.

– Over 2.5 goals: With both teams possessing potent attacking options, this match could see a high-scoring encounter.

– Marcus Thuram to score anytime: The French striker has been in impressive form for Inter and could find the back of the net.