Inter Milan vs. Liverpool: Champions League Clash
San Siro is set to host a thrilling Champions League encounter tonight as Inter Milan welcomes Liverpool. The match kicks off at 9 PM (20:00 GMT). Inter currently sits fourth in the UCL league phase with a record of four wins and one loss. Liverpool, meanwhile, is in 13th place with three wins and two losses.
Inter Milan comes into this match in strong form. In their last Champions League fixture, Inter suffered a 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in late November. Inter has been formidable at home in Europe, remaining unbeaten in their last 18 Champions League matches at the Meazza, winning 15 of those games and only conceding twice. Inter Milan will deploy a 3-5-2 formation, featuring Martínez and Thuram in attack. Inter made one change from the side that beat Como 4-0 in Serie A on Saturday, with Mkhitaryan replacing Zielinski. The Inter starting XI includes Sommer, Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni, Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco, Thuram, and Martinez.
Liverpool's form has been shaky recently. The Reds were defeated 4-1 by PSV in their last European match. Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo for tonight's match. Salah was left out of the squad following an explosive interview after the 3-3 draw with Leeds, where he criticized Arne Slot and hinted at a possible January exit. Gakpo is sidelined with an injury sustained against Leeds, while Chiesa is ill. Liverpool will line up in a 4-3-3 formation with Etikite and Jones on the flanks, and Isak leading the attack. Liverpool's starting XI features Alisson, Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch, Ekitike, and Isak.
The absence of key players like Salah, Gakpo and Chiesa presents a significant challenge for Liverpool. Arne Slot is only able to name eight substitutes, two of whom are goalkeepers. Despite these challenges, Liverpool has added two new players, Wellity Lucky and another unnamed player, to their Champions League squad.
Liverpool has a good away record in Italy, winning their last five away games against Serie A sides. They have also never lost a Champions League match at San Siro, winning all four previous visits. However, Inter's current form and home record make them a formidable opponent.
