Tonight on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, live from the San Siro. Barça will be facing Inter Milan in a must win game away from home. Every game in this competition is difficult, and this is no different. Both squads have taken big blows in terms of injuries. Inter are without Brozovic and Lukaku, aswell as Lautaro Martinez who is a doubt for the game. Us on the other hand are without Memphis, Araujo, Kounde, Bellerin and Frenkie. De Jong was expected to come into the squad for tonight’s game, however he hasn’t been able to make the cut in time. Which of course is another big blow. A positive result is crucial for us tonight and we have to ensure we turn up for the occasion.
Lessons from our last game:
In our last game in the champions league, we faced up against Bayern Munich away at the Allianz Arena. And although on the night, we fell to a 2-0 defeat. It was quite possibly one of the best performances we’ve had in Europe for a long time. We completely and utterly dominated Bayern and totally deserved to win. Or at least pick up a point. However, for all our good play the one thing we weren’t on the night was clinical. We had so many chances to put the game to bed early, but we simply didn’t finish them off. So going into this game tonight, we have to ensure that we are 100% clinical. Any chance that comes up, we take. It has to be that way. We have the quality to do it, now we have to out it into action. So overall, if we can take one lesson from the Bayern game, and put that into tonight’s. That would be to take our chances.
Quick look at our opponents:
When it comes to Inter Milan, they find themselves on the same point tally as us in the table. Just behind on goal difference. They failed to beat Bayern at home but were able to beat Viktoria Plzen away in their last game. Domestically, they have been struggling in recent months. They currently find themselves in 9th place. 8 points behind league leaders Napoli. And have only won twice in their last 5 games. In fact, they have lost their last 2 games in the league. Most recently on the weekend where they lost 2-1 at home to Roma. Although that is the case, as we all know, form doesn’t really matter when it comes to Europe. Any team can turn up on the day. And they of course will give us a very difficult game tonight. We just have to make sure that we are the ones who arrive for the occasion. That’s the most important thing.
Predicted lineup:
As far as the lineup goes, I think there will be a few changes from the team who played Mallorca 3 days ago. In defence, I think that Christensen will keep his place after yet another solid performance in the league. Eric Garcia will most likely come in for Pique. His ball playing ability will be crucial for our build up play, so I can see him starting. We played with Jordi Alba and Balde against Mallorca. With the latter playing at right back. For tonight’s game however, Balde has to start at left back. It just has to happen. Meaning that Roberto should come in at right back. Although there is Casado in the squad who could make a surprise appearance too.
Pedri was rested for the majority of the game on Saturday. But he will most definitely start tonight. Alongside Gavi and Busquets. Kessie would also be a good option to use. And of course he is very used to playing at the San Siro.
When it comes to the attack, I think there will only be one change. Ansu played for about 70 minutes against Mallorca. He played very well, looked pretty sharp and assisted the winning goal from Lewandowski. Although I do think he’ll start from the bench tonight and start against Celta on the weekend. Meaning that the front three will most likely be the electric trident that is Dembele, Lewandowski and Raphinha.
My prediction:
Ter Stegen
Roberto- Christensen- Eric- Balde
Gavi- Busquets- Pedri
Dembele- Lewandowski- Raphinha
Visca Barça!
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