Champions League: Remarkable Reds Ready to Finish off Inter at Anfield

Liverpool vs Inter Milan

Liverpool already have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over Inter Milan in the first leg at the San Siro.

That means the Reds only need to avoid a two-goal defeat in the second leg in order to make it safely through to the next round.

And given they are in the midst of another remarkable unbeaten run and will be playing the second leg at Anfield, the Champions League 2022 odds of Inter Milan making it through are quite remote.

Talking Points

Liverpool keep remarkable winning run going

Liverpool extended their incredible winning run to 12 straight games in all competitions with a 1-0 win over West Ham United. With the win, the Reds once again cut down Manchester City’s lead in the title race to three points.

However, Liverpool should consider themselves a bit fortunate to escape with a win as the Hammers squandered several chances to equalise.

The Reds also missed their share of chances, with Mohamed Salah once again not looking like his typically sharp self in front of goal. The Egyptian is still having another remarkable season with 27 goals in all competitions for Liverpool – including 19 in the Premier League – but he has now failed to score in his last two outings.

Salah will look to rediscover his scoring touch in Europe. The Egyptian has produced his fair share of Champions League 2022 highlights with eight goals, which is third in the competition.

Luckily, Liverpool have a lot more attacking options beyond Salah. Sadio Mane is in stellar form with four goals in his last four starts; Diogo Jota is having another outstanding season with 17 goals; and winter signing Luis Diaz has settled in brilliantly.

Thanks to their two-goal advantage after the first leg, Jurgen Klopp will have the luxury to make some rotations to his side in midweek.

Ibrahima Konate, who had a strong game in place of the ill Joel Matip, has a decent chance of keeping his place. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could come into midfield with Thiago Alcantara still out injured.

Inter get reinforcements for second leg

Inter Milan emphatically ended their five-game winless run in all competitions by smashing bottom side Salernitana 5-0 over the weekend. The win sent the Nerazzurri back to the top of Serie A after rivals AC Milan slipped up again.

Lautaro Martinez finally snapped his extended scoring drought to start 2022 as he banged in a hat-trick, while strike partner Edin Dzeko bagged a brace. The 35-year-old Dzeko has been outstanding for Inter with 12 league goals this season and three more goals in the Champions League.

However, it will be interesting to see whether Inter coach Simone Inzaghi will choose to start Dzeko, whose lack of pace saw him unable to punish Liverpool’s high defensive line.

Joaquin Correa will be an option to start in place of Dzeko. The Argentine forward recently returned from his injury layoff and can provide an additional burst of pace up front.

Meanwhile, wing-back Robin Gosens is also back to provide a more attacking option on the left. The German played the last half-hour against Salernitana and provided the assist for Dzeko’s first goal.

History

Inter have made two prior trips to Anfield. The most recent was in 2008 in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. Liverpool ran out 2-0 winners thanks to two late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard. The Reds won the tie 3-0 after winning 1-0 in Milan. Liverpool also won 3-1 at Anfield back in their 1965 meeting.

Overall, Inter have won just four of their 16 matches away to English opposition in European competition, with 11 defeats.

Meanwhile, Liverpool remain unbeaten at Anfield this season. That includes three wins out of three wins in the Champions League group stage, with seven goals scored.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Liverpool priced as heavy 1.56 favourites to win the second leg at home. Inter are pegged at 5.40 to win, while a draw is 4.10.

Inter will have no choice but to go out and attack at Anfield since they must win by two or more goals to stand any chance of qualifying.

But that need to score could leave Inter vulnerable to Liverpool counterattacks, so the advantage is still very much with the home side. Klopp will be keen to keep the positive momentum from Liverpool’s win streak going, so look for the Reds to claim another victory over the Nerazzurri at Anfield.

 

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