Champions League: Inter Milano vs Liverpool Free Match Preview And Prediction 16/02/2022
Liverpool stormed through the Champions League group stage with six wins from six games. The Reds topped a group featuring European heavyweights Atletico Madrid, FC Porto, and AC Milan.
Liverpool head to San Siro for a second time this season, but on this occasion, the club will face Inter Milano. Liverpool are unbeaten in eight straight games with seven of those matched ending in wins.
Inter Milano have hit a dip in form. At the weekend, Simone Inzaghi’s team drew 1-1 with Napoli causing them to fall from first place to second place. The Nerazzurri posted a record of 3W-3D-1L over the course of their last seven games in all competitions. These teams have not played in the Champions League since 2008. Liverpool won the tie on aggregate 3-0, but a lot has changed for both clubs as 14 years is a lifetime in football.
Liverpool has no new injury issues going into the Champions League round of 16 tie. He will have a full complement of players available and must decide which three attackers to play from the group of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz. It is likely that Klopp will select Salah, Mane, and Jota as the trio has been Liverpool’s best attackers. Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Thiago should start in midfield.
Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Andrew Robertson, and Trent Alexander-Arnold should get the nod in defence. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be between the posts unless a late fitness issue occurs. Inzaghi has two players on the injury list. Alessandro Bastoni is a doubt with an ankle injury. Joaquin Correa has a hamstring issue that could keep him sidelined.
Inter Milan are led in goals in all competitions by Edin Dzeko with 17 goals scored. The former Manchester City striker is familiar with Liverpool. However, Liverpool have changed quite a lot since Dzeko was with Manchester City.
Liverpool have lost just two games on the road this season. Those games came away from Anfield. The Reds have an away record of 14W-3D-2L with 51 goals scored and 17 against. Liverpool have kept nine clean sheets on the road.
Inter have posted a record of 12W-3D-2L at San Siro. They have scored 39 times and conceded 14 goals at home in all competitions. Liverpool’s pace in wide areas could be the difference maker in this game.
PREDICTION: LIVERPOOL TO WIN OR DRAW
