Champions League: Can The Returning Gladbach Capitalise On Depleted Inter?

Champions League: Can The Returning Gladbach Capitalise On Depleted Inter?

Inter Milan vs Borussia Monchengladbach

The Champions League is back and we will be treated to a cracker of a match few days from now.

Borussia Monchengladbach have returned after a four-year hiatus, but a stern test awaits them as they face Inter Milan at the San Siro Stadium this Thursday evening.

Both teams are coming off of different results in the last time out. Gladbach drew 1-1 against VfL Wolfsburg at home while Inter Milan lost at the hands of their rivals AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina last Sunday night.

So both are eager to kick off their Champions League campaigns with a bang as they will fight for the advantage in the tough Group B to where they are grouped with Shakhtar Donetsk and defending La Liga champions Real Madrid.

While the Champions League 2020 odds have Inter Milan winning comfortably in this upcoming contest, it will be much easier said than done given their recent lineup concerns.

Can Marco Rose and his crew take advantage and pull off a surprise win? Or will the experienced Antonio Conte lead his side to get back on the winning track anew?

Take a look at this match preview for some useful betting tips.

Talking Points

Can Inter Milan fight through maladies?

Italy is experiencing a new wave of coronavirus cases and that has affected several Serie A clubs such as Inter Milan, especially after conducting numerous swab tests.

The Nerazzurri could face a major lineup problem as they are in danger in missing six of their players – with Ashley Young, Milan Skriniar, Alexis Sanchez, Ionut Radu, Radja Nainggolan, and Roberto Gagliardini all considered doubtful.

So the offensive cudgels will be put on Romelu Lukaku’s big shoulders for this clash, and Antonio Conte is hopeful that his star striker will be in his talismanic form once again.

It’s a good thing for them, however, that they have some quality cogs that can contribute off the bench.

Their backline remains strong with the presence of Stefan de Vrij and Samir Handanovic, while their midfield still has the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Arturo Vidal, Nicolo Barella, and Marcelo Brozovic who are more than capable of producing numerous Champions League 2020 highlights.

Inter Milan started off their 2020/21 campaign on a great note against some lower-tier Serie A teams, but they struggled versus the better clubs as of late.

Even if it is still early, Antonio Conte would need to guide his boys back on the winning track to keep their hopes alive – both in the Serie A and in the Champions League.

Should we consider Borussia Monchengladbach as the dark horses?

Marco Rose’s men are eager to prove why they belong in the Champions League and opponents would have to be wary of what they’re capable of.

The Foals have a young nucleus that should scare several teams in this competition, although they are all quite inexperienced in the big stage.

Leading the defence will be centre-back Matthias Ginter and goalkeeper Yann Sommer who both offer physicality to the table, and they will be backed up by Stefan Lainer and Oscar Wendt.

Their midfield and attack have the capability to produce many goals like Inter, as the quintet of Lars Stindl, Breel Embolo, Alassane Plea, Marcus Thuram, and Jonas Hofmann have shown massive improvement this season.

Unlike the Nerazzurri, the Foals enter this match as the more complete club, which should make this even more interesting as the betting odds would suggest.

History

This will mark the fifth time that they’ll go head-to-head against each other. Historically, both had one win each along with two draws.

Gladbach defeated Inter 7-1 back in the 1971/72 European Cup for their first encounter, but the result was annulled when the rowdy home fans hit Roberto Boninsegna with a Coke can. Eventually, Inter Milan won the reverse fixture, 4-2.

The Foals grabbed their sole win in this matchup eight years later in the Round of 32 in the 1979/80 UEFA Cup (3-2). That was their last trip in the San Siro Stadium since.

Betting Tip

Inter Milan Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.05

Despite concerns about their lineup, Inter Milan are heavily favoured to win here in our SBOTOP odds.

They are priced at 1.57, while Borussia Monchengladbach are at 5.60 odds to win and a draw is placed at 4.00 in the 1×2 market.

This game has goals written all over it as both of these sides have some topnotch hitmen. So Over 2.50 @ 2.27 or Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.87 are plausible bets as well.

Furthermore, this is expected to be a close encounter, but Inter Milan’s superior depth and quality should give them the edge to win in this Champions League group stage contest.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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