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Inter Milan v RB Leipzig – Preview, Predictions And Best Bets

Inter Milan face RB Leipzig on Tuesday in a crucial UEFA Champions League encounter. Inter have been dominant at home.

Inter Milan v RB Leipzig

Inter Milan face RB Leipzig on Tuesday in a crucial UEFA Champions League encounter. Inter have been dominant at home, boasting nine wins and nine clean sheets in their last 11 matches at the San Siro. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig have struggled in Europe, losing all four of their Champions League games this season and eight of their last 13 overall in the competition.

Inter Milan Form

Inter are unbeaten in 11 matches since their 2-1 derby loss to AC Milan in September. They responded with five consecutive wins, including a 4-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade and a 1-0 away win at Young Boys. A dramatic 4-4 draw against Juventus followed in Serie A.

Simone Inzaghi’s side have since tightened their defense, winning two league games to nil and securing a 1-0 victory over Arsenal on matchday three, despite conceding 20 shots and an xG of 1.80. Before the international break, Inter drew 1-1 with Napoli in a top-of-the-table clash and returned with a commanding 5-0 win over Verona, despite heavy squad rotation.

Inter Milan Team News

Francesco Acerbi was injured in the last match and is likely to miss out. Hakan Çalhanoğlu should return from a hip issue, and Lautaro Martínez is expected to recover from illness to start. Federico Dimarco, who was rested in the last match, will likely replace Carlos Augusto at left wingback. Benjamin Pavard is hopeful of a return on the right side of the back three.

Inter Milan Motivation

Inter are fully focused on this fixture, having rotated their squad over the weekend. Securing a win here would significantly boost their chances of a top-eight finish in the Champions League stage.

Inzaghi’s side is versatile tactically. They may look to dominate possession early, secure a lead, and then transition to a counter-attacking strategy as the game progresses.

RB Leipzig Form

RB Leipzig’s form has been dismal, with six losses and only five wins in their last 14 matches. They have lost all four of their Champions League games this season.

Their campaign began with a late 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid, followed by a 3-2 home loss to ten-man Juventus after leading 2-1. Matchday three saw a deserved 1-0 home loss to Liverpool.

While they won two domestic matches after that, they are currently winless in four games, including a 2-1 defeat at Dortmund, a 3-1 loss at Celtic, and a 0-0 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach. A late 4-3 loss at Hoffenheim on Saturday further compounded their woes.

RB Leipzig Team News

Coach Marco Rose is under significant pressure. Xavi Simons remains sidelined with injury, joining Yussuf Poulsen and left-back David Raum on the absentee list. Central midfielders Eljif Elmas and Xaver Schlager are both ruled out. Lutsharel Geertruida is expected to return in defense, while Amadou Haidara could be recalled to midfield.

RB Leipzig Motivation

Leipzig’s chances of advancing in Europe are slim. Even with a win, qualification seems unlikely. Their primary focus might be damage control, avoiding a heavy defeat, and preparing for Saturday’s crucial home match against Wolfsburg.

Key Stats

Inter have won 9 of their last 11 matches across all competitions (4 clean sheets in the last 5).

Inter are unbeaten in 11 home Champions League matches (9 wins, 9 clean sheets).

RB Leipzig have won only 4 of their last 14 matches (6 losses).

RB Leipzig have lost all four of their Champions League matches this season.

RB Leipzig have lost 8 of their last 13 Champions League games, conceding 28 goals.

Verdict

Given the stark contrast in form, Inter Milan are clear favorites. Expect them to dominate at the San Siro and capitalize on Leipzig’s struggles.

Best Bet: Inter Milan win (-1 handicap) at 2.20

Value Bet: Inter Milan win to zero at 2.75

Goalscorer Tip: Marcus Thuram to score anytime at 2.20

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles. Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis

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