After domestic Cup competitions and Premier League games, Liverpool will turn on their attention to Champions League tie against Inter Milan
Liverpool will welcome Serie A holders Inter Milan for the second leg Round of 16 Champions League fixture. The Reds already hold a healthy 2-0 advantage to the tie making them favorites for progressing for the quarterfinals.
Liverpool vs Inter Milan: Match Preview
In the previous meeting at San Siro goals from Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah registered a two goals cushion in favor of Liverpool.
So far this season, Liverpool have been exceptional in the competition. Klopp’s men have progressed into the knockout stage with a 100% record in the group stage winning all six games.
Meanwhile, Scudetto winners Inter Milan have been fairly inconsistent and unpredictable. Since the turn of the year, Simeone Inzaghi’s men have suffered crucial defeats for their chase of Scudetto again this term.
And faces a mammoth task for progressing to the Quarterfinal of the European competition. Since the 2010-11 season Inter Milan have not managed to make it as far as the last eight in the Champions League. There is no other way than a goal-laden performance for the Nerazzuri’s at Anfield puts them into the next round.
On the other hand, Liverpool seems to be a happy camper who previously in the weekend defeated West Ham United. The win Hammers a 12th win on the bounce in all competitions for the ruthless Reds.
Moreover, on the course for become the first English team ever to win their opening eight games of a single Champions League campaign. Liverpool’s recent performances and stats are enough to make any opposition sweat before the start of the game.
And to add to that, Inter Milan will be up against Liverpool at Anfield, where Klopp’s men haven’t lost a game for over a year.
With Inter Milan two goals down in the tie, a comeback looks far from distance for the Nerazzurri. Previously, in UEFA Champions League history only Manchester United still remains the only team to ever come back from a two-goal deficit in the first leg at home to advance against Paris Saint-Germain in 2018-19.
Team News
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has concern over the trio of Thiago Alcantara, Roberto Firmino, and Joel Matip for the second leg.
Matip missed the West Ham clash because of illness, but Klopp still has in his mind of Firmino and Thiago’s comeback into the tie, as he has not ruled out the possible return.
With Jota now fully fit, Klopp should bring in the Portuguese into the striker role. Moreover, if Matip stays out then Ibrahima Konate should keep his place in the starting eleven.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Keita; Salah, Jota, Diaz
Liverpool vs Inter Milan: Anfield Home Prediction
Liverpool have been unplayable in the past few weeks. Moreover, it seems Klopp & Co. can also play in different gears. The Reds are ruthless in front of the goal but since the turning year, the backline of Liverpool have been exceptional.
Klopp’s men have just conceded seven goals and scored 32 goals in 15 games (all competition) in 2022. Moreover, Liverpool are yet to concede more than one goal in a game since October at Anfield.
The traveling side needs a miracle to win the tie and to advance for the next round.
Liverpool looks very likely to prevail over Inter Milan with a 2-1 win.
