Europa League: In-Form Inter Face Dangerous Leverkusen

Europa League: In-Form Inter Face Dangerous Leverkusen

Inter Milan vs Bayer Leverkusen

Inter Milan are one of just two Italian clubs left standing in Europe after Napoli lost to Barcelona and joined Juventus and Roma, who were also knocked out in recent days.

The Nerazzurri are among the top favourites to lift this year’s Europa League, but their spot in the semi-finals is far from secure as they must take on a dangerous Bayer Leverkusen side.

The Germans will have the advantage of being in their home country, although they also must be wary of conceding against the free-scoring Italians.

Talking Points

Inter back in top form

Inter Milan were among the form clubs in Serie A after the season restarted. They won eight of 13 matches, with four draws and just one loss. They also scored 32 goals, the second-most post-restart behind neighbours AC Milan.

Inter went unbeaten in their last eight league matches and won each of their last three games against Genoa, Napoli, and Atalanta to secure second place behind Juventus.

They also took care of Getafe 2-0 in their round-of-16 clash. Inter have now kept a clean sheet in five consecutive matches in all competitions and have also not let in a goal in five of their last seven Europa League matches.

Romelu Lukaku scored the opening goal for Inter against Getafe as he continues to create Europa League 2020 highlights. The Belgian has scored in each of his last eight Europa League appearances, scoring 11 goals in total.

Lukaku will likely be partnered by Lautaro Martinez, with Alexis Sanchez — who recently made his move from Manchester United permanent — and Christian Eriksen ready to come off the bench for manager Antonio Conte.

Sanchez has been in sensational form since the restart, with three goals and seven assists in his last 13 appearances.

Meanwhile, Eriksen has fallen out of favour late in the season, but his goal against Getafe served as a reminder that he still has something to contribute to the side.

Bayer Leverkusen pack serious firepower

Bayer Leverkusen made it through to the Europa League quarter-final after beating Rangers 1-0 in the second leg and 4-1 on aggregate.

Thanks to their 3-1 first-leg advantage, Leverkusen manager Peter Bosz was able to field a slightly weakened side in the second leg. Youngsters Edmond Tapsoba and Exequiel Palacios were given a run-out, as did 17-year-old Florian Wirtz.

However, Bosz will likely bring back the likes of Leon Bailey and Jonathan Tah into the side against Inter after resting them against Rangers. Midfielder Kerem Demirbay is also available once again after serving his suspension in the round-of-16 second leg.

Leverkusen’s attacking trio of Bailey, Moussa Diaby, and the Chelsea-bound Kai Havertz is as dangerous as any in Europe, and they will not hesitate going at Inter’s defence.

However, the big concern about Leverkusen is whether their defence can hold up as they go forward. Their shaky backline was a major reason why they were so inconsistent after the restart.

They won back-to-back games just once in their nine games since returning to action, which was why they missed out on a Champions League place.

Leverkusen lack the discipline that Inter have defensively, which could end up being their downfall in this one-legged affair.

History

Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen have met just twice in European competition. That came back in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League second group stage.

Inter won both group matches as they went on to the knockout stage, while Leverkusen lost all six group games and crashed out of the competition.

Inter have won just one of their last eight meetings with German opposition, though, while Bayer Leverkusen have lost each of their last three matches against Italian clubs.

Betting Tip

1X2 Inter Milan @ 2.02

SBOBET odds have Inter Milan priced as 2.02 favourites in neutral territory in Dusseldorf. Bayer Leverkusen are 3.30 to pull off the upset, while a draw is 3.45.

While Inter had some hiccups at the start of the restart, Antonio Conte seems to have ironed out some of their issues, particularly at the back. They seem more settled in defence, which is certainly a good sign heading into a single-elimination tournament.

Meanwhile, they should have more than enough attacking talent to break through a Leverkusen backline that will struggle to keep things tight. So even though Inter might concede against a talented Leverkusen attack, they should have more than enough to outgun the Germans.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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