Barcelona host Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie on Wednesday night.
The Catalan giants prevailed over Borussia Dortmund 5-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, having already wrapped up in the tie in the first leg itself when they won 4-0 at home. Fresh from beating bitter rivals Real Madrid in a five-goal thriller in the Copa del Rey final in Seville, Hansi Flick’s side will head into the midweek fixture with massive confidence.
Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri overcame Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate in the last round. However, recent results have been poor as they head to Spain on the back of three successive defeats across all competitions. So, Simone Inzaghi’s men must pull a rabbit out of the hat to get a good result against Barcelona in the first leg.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan—Team News
Hansi Flick has confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal against Inter, despite No.1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen being available again after recovering from a serious knee injury.
Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde have not recovered from their respective issues and will not participate in the first leg.
As for Inter Milan, Benjamin Pavard is set to miss the tie after suffering a sprained ankle in last weekend’s loss to AS Roma. In a positive injury update, Marcus Thuram is again available for selection, having missed three matches with an adductor problem.
Denzel Dumfries will also be available for selection for the first time since late March after recovering from a hamstring pull, although Inzaghi would not risk him to start.
Barcelona vs Inter Milan—Predicted lineups
Predicted Barcelona XI (4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres
Predicted Inter Milan XI (3-5-2): Yann Sommer; Stefan De Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Matteo Darmian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram
Barcelona vs Inter Milan—Key Players
Barcelona—Lamine Yamal
There is no looking past Lamine Yamal here. One of the most gifted young players on the planet, the teenager was fantastic in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey triumph over Real Madrid, registering two assists. The Spanish international has four goals and as many assists in the Champions League campaign this season. If he is given time and space on the ball in midweek, Yamal could make life difficult for Inter.
Inter Milan—Nicolo Barella
Barcelona are a possession-heavy, attacking side under Flick. They love to keep the ball and squeeze the opponent with their high press. As a result, Flick’s side are also vulnerable on counter attacks, which will be Inter’s biggest ammunition to hurt the home side. Nicolo Barella’s role in midfield becomes even more vital, as he will not only have to bring a calming influence to the team but also release the wing-backs and forwards whenever possible.
Prediction
Barcelona 2-1 Inter Milan
