Messi-less Barcelona are set to host an In form Inter Milan in the Champions League. Both teams are so far perfect in Europe with 2 wins out of 2 having beaten both Spurs and PSV so a win here and your place in R16 is pretty much certified. This is the first time that these clubs meet since the famous semi final in 2010 where Inter shocked the world as they eliminated Barca.
Key Facts
Barcelona’s record in games that Messi doesn’t play in since 2010-11 is 49W 6D 6L
Barcelona are unbeaten at Nou Camp since 2017 August to Real Madrid in UEFA Super Cup.
Barcelona have scored 22 goals in 6 games at Nou Camp this season.
Barcelona have netted 4 goals in each of their UCL match this season.
With Messi out, Barcelona’s next high scorers are Suarez, Coutinho and Dembele with 4 goals each.
Barcelona are unbeaten in 26 consecutive home UEFA CL matches in the group stages.
Barcelona have won 16 consecutive UEFA CL matches at home scoring 54 goals in those games.
Barcelona have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 6 games. Conceding 10 goals in those.
On average there are 4 goals scored in games that Barcelona are involved in.
Inter are currently on a 7 game win streak
Both of Inter’s wins in UCL were come from behind wins.
Inter have won 3 games with 90th minute winners this season. Clutch
Mauro Icardi has gotten on the scoresheet in each of his last 3 appearances for Inter scoring 4 goals in those.
Inter have a good away record this season having won 4 of their 5 away games. 4 straight away wins.
On average there are 2.2 goals scored in games that Inter are involved in this season.
Team News
Barcelona: Top story from Barcelona’s camp is that star man Lionel Messi is out after hurting his arm during the weekend fixture against Sevilla. We can expect Dembele to start in his place. Barca are still short at CB as both Umtiti and Vermaelen are injured therefore Pique and Lenglet are expected to start together again. Good news is that Sergi Roberto has returned and Valverde will get too choose between him and Semedo for RB. Otherwise there’s nothing to report and expect the same players to start in other positions as they did against Sevilla.
Inter Milan: Inter will be without their star midfielder Radja Nainggolan who injured himself against AC Milan during the weekend. He was replaced by Borja Valero in that fixture. Furthermore Inter are in danger of missing both Perisic and Brozovic as they’ll have to be evaluated before the game whereas Politano is expected to be fit to go. Also, RB Sime Vrsaljko returned into the lineup during the weekend and will either start or get benched with D’ambrosio being the other option at RB at Nou Camp.
Betting Tips and Predictions
We’ve got a game between two very good sides here. Despite Barca being the huge favourites at 1.50, this won’t be an easy game for them. Inter are currently rolling and coming to Nou Camp they will be full of confidence. Despite a good record without Messi, you still have to say that Barca losing him is crucial and instantly weakens then massively. Inter +1, +1.5 handicaps are both definitely worth it. There’s no way that Barcelona should be able to run them over, in fact we can see Inter pulling something out of this game. Barca are very suspect defensively and that’s where Inter can punish them with one of the best strikers in the world in Icardi. BTTS should come through too and Icardi to score anytime looks a good pick given his form. We can definitely see this being ending a 1-1 draw.
Match Odds (TonyBet)
Barcelona Win – 1.50
Draw – 4.75
Inter Milan Win – 6.60
KICK OFF – 24th October 2018 – 8pm UK Time
