In one of the biggest games in the Champions League this week, Barcelona host Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan. Both sides come into the game after good results domestically, but who can take the upper hand in Group F? Bet on Champions League here.
Barcelona’s form has been a bit up and down this year but after a shock defeat to Granada, the Catalans strung together two wins on the trot. The pressure is not off manager Ernesto Valverde and success in the Champions League maybe the only way he keeps his job. A 0-0 draw away at Dortmund in the first game was ok, but only if they follow it up with a win here.
Life is sweeter for former Chelsea boss Conte, as his Inter Milan side have yet to taste defeat this season. A 1-1 draw at home to Slavia Prague in the first game in the Champions League is the only blot on his copy book. Can he inspire Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and co. to a famous victory at the Nou Camp?
Betting preview
Barcelona’s home record in the Champions League is simply astounding. They last tasted defeat in 2013, when Bayern Munich left the Nou Camp with a 3-0 win. Since then they have played 32 times, won 29 and drawn the other three. They have also won four out of four at home to Inter Milan. Back a Barcelona win at odds of 1.60.
Perhaps surprisingly, Under 2.5 Goals also looks a good bet today. It has happened in three of Barca’s last five games and four of Inter’s last five. However, considering the quality of attackers in both teams, going for the added insurance of Under 3.5 Goals, at odds of 1.50, could be the sensible option.
In four games against each other at the Nou Camp, Barcelona have won 3-0, 2-0, 1-0 and 2-0. If you believe in fate, why not check out the Multiscores 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 market, at odds of 3.30? To find this bet, navigate to the match and click on “Specials.” If the game ends with any of the mentioned score lines, in favour of Barca, you’re in the money!
Team news
Confusion surrounds the fitness of Lionel Messi. The magical captain was back in training earlier in the week, but whilst some reports said he may start from the bench, others claim he will not be risked until after the international break. Teenage sensation Ansu Fati has a knee problem, whilst Ousmane Dembele was back training after he too missed the weekend’s win over Getafe. In better news, Jordi Alba is in contention.
Inter Milan have no such worries.
Possible line-ups
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Lenglet, Pique, Alba; Busquets, De Jong, Rakitic; Dembele, Griezmann, Suarez
Inter Milan: Handanovic; Godin, de Vrij, Skriniar; Candreva, Sensi, Brozovic, Gagliardini, Asamoah; Sanchez, Lukaku