It is crunch time for both Tottenham and Inter Milan as the two famous clubs clash on Wednesday night in the Champions League.
Inter won their first meeting at the San Siro as Spurs capitulated in the final five minutes giving up two goals. Tottenham were comfortable throughout the game until the end when they managed to lose a one goal lead. Now, a win is needed against Inter to have any hope of qualification to the knockout stage. Tottenham are just three points behind Inter after four games, but anything short of all three points would eliminate them from the Champions league.
Inter defeated Frosinone over the weekend, 3-0. It was a walk in the park for Luciano Spalletti’s team had the fixture was wrapped up after 60 minutes. Meanwhile, Tottenham had a similar stroll on Saturday with a dominant 3-1 victory over Chelsea. Tottenham were tremendous and the win over Chelsea showed just how good they can be when everything clicks. Unfortunately, things haven’t clicked often in Europe this term.
Tottenham go into the tie as favourites, according to leading sportsbooks. Despite receiving the favourites’ tag, Spurs have found ways to underperform in the Champions league. Just one win has been taken from four games. That win came at Wembley against PSV on the last matchday. Even then, Spurs needed an 89th minute Harry Kane goal to top the Dutch club.
Mauricio Pochettino will have Jan Vertonghen available for selection. He has been out since September with a hamstring injury. However, Spurs will be without Davinson Sanchez, Mousa Dembele, and Kieran Trippier. Missing three first-choice players will put a dent in Tottenham’s hopes of winning.
Inter will field a very strong starting XI for the match. Mauro Icardi, Ivan Perisic, and Radja Nainggolan are all fit and ready to fire for the Nerazzurri. Right-back Sime Vrsaljko is expected to start after sitting out the team’s win over Frosinone due to a bicep injury. Tottenham were without creative midfielder Dele Alli in their last meeting with Inter. He will feature on Wednesday and goes into the game in fine form. Alli scored at the weekend against Chelsea and his presence alongside Christian Eriksen and Kane will buoy the team.
Spalletti’s team are in the driver’s seat and must simply avoid a loss at Wembley. They can achieve progression with a draw, and that is how the match will end. Despite Tottenham trying everything to get the win, Inter will hold Spurs in an exciting score draw.