Inter Milan

Champions League 2009/2010: Semi-Final, First Leg

Inter Milan V Barcelona

Tuesday, 20^th April – 19:45 (GMT)

San Siro, Giuseppe Meazza

LIVE on Sky Sports

Inter Milan

Outright Odds: 5.50 VCBet

If Internazionale, or Inter Milan as we prefer to call them simply because it’s shorter, want to end their twelve year wait for a major European trophy they’ll have to beat the very best just to get a chance at a final as Spain’s Barcelona await them in the semi’s. Their last enjoyment in Europe came when they won the UEFA Cup back in 1997-1998, but you have to stretch your minds way back to when time stood still for their last Champions League/European Cup trophy, as Inter haven’t won this very competition, the best club competition on the planet, for nearly half-a-decade. 1965 – 45 years ago – is how long ago Inter last reigned supreme in Europe, but after a fruitful campaign fending off the challenges from the likes of Chelsea & CSKA Moscow, the Nerazzuri have put themselves within three games of ending their 45 year drought.

The final itself will be in Spain at Real Madrid’s world-famous Bernabeu. A country Inter will have to visit twice before the end of the season, three times in total, if they wish to end their Champions League campaign with winners medals. The irony, though, is that their semi-final tie will be predominately harder than the challenge that possibly awaits them in Spain’s grand finale where either Bayern Munich or Lyon await them. However, that should provide the hungry Italians will a big incentive, a tasty little carrot if you like, as should they see off the competition favourites Barcelona, their chances of winning the competition outright would greatly enhance because of it. However, Inter Milan don’t have the best of records against the colossal Barcelona, and even recently haven’t faired too well as these two sides were drawn in the same group earlier in the campaign, a group which Barcelona won taking four points off the Italian side. While Inter haven’t even found the back of Barcelona’s net in their last four European ties with the Spanish giant.

Mourinho’s Inter certainly have it all to do but the maestro or the ‘Special One’ as he likes to call himself, has been in a very similar position before in that of FC Porto when he guided the Portuguese club to Champions League glory back in 2004 somewhat unnoticed. No-one fancied his sides chances back then and it will be the same with his Inter charges, although some would argue he has a far greater amass of talent and quality at his disposal this time around so should, in theory at least, have the necessary inventory to go close once more. However, the irony with this Inter team is down the years they’ve generally been a force to be reckoned with back home in Italy but have consistently faltered in Europe. It’s been the opposite this season, with Milan’s league form dipping slightly, while some of their displays in Europe this season, in knock-out stage especially, have been incredible. They beat Chelsea in the round of sixteen stage, winning 2-1 at the San Siro and then winning the away leg 1-0, while we shouldn’t forget that while their league campaign hasn’t flowed as they would have liked, the Nerazzuri are still leading the way thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Juventus on Friday night.

That’s another point we should make in that Inter have had the Italian FA on their side this season, with their league fixtures scheduled right before a big European tie often brought forward a few days in order to enable the Inter Milan squad to rest up earlier than usual, and more importantly earlier than their European opponents. We’ve not seen this done before by any of the major sides in recent seasons, but it’s paid dividends for Inter this season and could prove decisive once again as they set out to secure a vital first leg lead against the competition favourites. The team should be in high spirits however after earning a 2-0 victory at home to Juventus on Friday night, while Inter have won their last three home games in Europe, two of which were without conceding.

Barcelona

Outright Odds: 1.80 SkyBet

Whereas Inter are attempting to make their first final appearance in this competition since 1972, Barcelona will seek out their second successive final berth where a chance to secure their second successive Champions League will be a further reward. Should Barcelona dare to dream of going all the way for the second year running, the Catalan side would become the first club since AC Milan 20 years ago to win the prestigious tournament consecutively. First, though, they must work their way around an Inter Milan side, whom have been surpassing expectations this season even if big things have been expected of them in recent seasons.

Two of Barcelona’s starlets will make their second return to the San Siro in the same season as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell return to their old stomping ground, both of which look almost certain starters given recent injury news. The recent blow was that Iniesta would miss both legs and that Eric Abidal would no longer play another game this season. The latter situation means Maxwell looks likely to deputise at left-back once again while Ibrahimovic, despite not featuring a whole lot for the Catalan giants of late, will spearhead the Barcelona attack. The Swede has netted six times in the competition already, while he scored two pivotal goals in Barcelona’s last away European encounter at The Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, England.

While Zlatan Ibrahimovic may want the the spotlight to shine on him as he aims to score his first goal at the San Siro as a Barcelona player, the likelihood is that Lionel Messi, the competition’s leading scorer with 8 goals, will steal both the limelight and the plaudits if his goalscoring exploits in the previous round is anything to go by. The young Argentina, whom is still just 22 years-of-age, is already a shoe-in to be win every major accolade under the sun for his sublime achievements with Barcelona this season, scoring 36 goals in all competitions. However, it was his stunning four goal haul against Arsenal in the last round, the quarter-finals, which had the entire footballing nation standing on their feet to applaud the little magician. He’s proved in that game alone that he has the potential, the talent and the sheer brilliance to win any game single handily, so of course, Messi will undoubtedly be the star man and the player to watch in both legs.

For all Barcelona’s silky play and ability to often slaughter a team with their quick one-two’s, sleek interchanging and clinical attacking play, there is something they haven’t yet mastered – Playing away from home in Europe. Many of you who watched Barcelon’a 45 minute storm at The Emirates in the previous round will have been blown away by Barcelona’s dominance and would have been forgiven for thinking they’ve done that all the way through the competition. That hasn’t been the case however, far from it in fact, with Pepe Guardiola only landing one away victory in Europe all season. In fact, their away form in the competition has actually been worrying considering they’ve been frustrated in all but one of their away outings having drawn four of five away in Europe this season. Some would consider a draw away from home in European competition a commendable result. Not Barca, as they look to win every encounter they play regardless of the setting, and will travel to Italy in the same positive mindset despite a lacklustre away campaign thus far – by their own very high standards that is.

A little something to bare in mind: We took the time out on Saturday evening to watch the class of Barcelona in a bid to receive a footballing lesson from the reigning European champions. However, it was instead their neighbours, Espanyol, who played the better football and enjoyed the clearer openings. That wasn’t the main concern though, it was the sight of the Barcelona team tiring very early on. From about the hour mark Barcelona were out on their last legs. So much so that Pep Guardiola had to introduce some fresh legs in Ibrahimovic and Henry midway through the second period. It did little to boost the performances levels of the team however, and perhaps signs of a long, draining season is beginning to become apparent.

Champions League Statistics

Inter Milan

Overall Record: 6-3-1

Home Record: 3-2-0

Offensive Record at Home: 7

Defensive Record at Home: 3

CL form: WWWWW

Barcelona

Overall Record: 5-4-1

Away Record: 1-4-0

Away Offensive Record: 5

Away Defensive Record: 4

CL Form: WDWDW

Stand out Statistics:

These two have played each other twice in this competition this season with Barcelona currently leading by virtue of their 2-0 victory at the Nou Camp. The Catalan side were held to a 0-0 draw at the San Siro. Both of these games were of course during the group stages.

Inter Milan have scored EXACTLY 2 goals in three of their five home matches in the Champions League.

Barcelona, for all their glistening play and star-studded players, have won just once away from home in Europe this season and have been held to a draw on no less than four separate occasions; Inter Milan 0-0, Rubin Kazan 0-0, VFB Stuttgart 1-1, Arsenal 2-2.

Barcelona have also yet to register an away win in the knock-out stage of the competition having draw both of their away legs with VFB Stuttgart in the last sixteen stage and in the quarter-finals with Arsenal.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.30 PaddyPower

We’ve played a little safe with the draw prediction, although the confidence levels should be running high in the Inter Milan camp and so the Italian’s, whom haven’t even managed a single goal at home to Barcelona in their last two meetings, stand their best chance of finally beating the Spanish giants after four failed recent attempts. However, the Italians just seem to disappoint when the spotlight and expectation is on them to do the business and it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see them throw this glorious opportunity away.

The Barcelona team looked exhausted come the final whistle in their Barcelona Derby clash with Espanyol on Saturday. They were so drained of energy that the last quarter of the game Espanyol were comfortable and never looked liked conceding but had chances earlier on to steal all three points. It was definitely a sign that Barcelona weren’t as invincible as everyone likes to make out, but it was also an indication that even when Barcelona aren’t at their best they’re still so damn difficult to beat. Their next encounter, though, is stepping up a few grades in terms of the quality of opposition they’ll be facing so they could very well get punished this time around. Then again, you’d fancy Guardiola to have his entire squad fired up for this clash so the team might get through this first leg unscathed purely running on adrenaline, while you would have to fancy their chances back in Spain.

It’s a draw for us, although we would love a home win for Jose Mourinho’s men as it would set the second leg up nicely. A draw or an away win and the tie could be all but over there and then, dare we say it.

Match Odds

Inter Milan – 3.20 Bet365

Draw – 3.30 PaddyPower

Barcelona – 2.38 SkyBet

UEFA Champions League: Quarter-Finals, Second Leg

CSKA Moscow V Inter Milan

Tuesday, 6^th April – 17:30 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports

First Leg: Inter Milan 1-0 CSKA Moscow

This was the only tie we didn’t get a chance to see a whole lot of and that was probably for the best as it didn’t sound like riveting stuff from what I’ve heard. Inter were the side which claimed Chelsea’s scalp in the previous round and should have been buoyed with confidence about their chances of progressing to a rare Champions League final. It was hard to tell though, as Jose Mourinho’s men struggled to break down their Russian opponents CSKA Moscow in an unattractive first leg at the San Siro. The Italians probably should have stretched their margin of victory however after creating several good openings in the second half after a largely disappointing first half of football. The positives for Jose Mourinho was CSKA rarely troubled Julio Cesar in the Inter goal and that long-distance efforts was the best the Russian could conjure in 90 minutes of play. Inter, though, could be left to rue several missed opportunities come the end of the second leg should they not finish the job over in Moscow.

At the half-way stage though, Diego Milito’s well-placed strike is the only thing standing in the way of parity in this tie, something CSKA coach Leonid Slutsky will take heart from. However, should the Russian side be as toothless like they were in Italy then progression for Mourinho and Inter Milan looks a given. CSKA were deprived of attacking ingenuity and had next to nothing from an attacking sense. They should find their Moscow more settling though, so surely a better performance on the whole is to be expected from the home side in a game they just have to win. The bookies don’t fancy their chances though and Ladbrokes have CSKA Moscow at 5.00 to progress into the Semi’s, while Inter Milan are clear favourites and are the very slim odds of 1.20 with Bet365to make the Semi-Final cut.

CSKA Moscow

Outright Odds: 66/1 PaddyPower

To Qualify: 5.00 Ladbrokes

After a largely inactive and counter-productive first leg for the Russians, CSKA now know only a win will do back in their native Moscow, while should they concede on the night, a likely scenario against a classy Inter Milan, CSKA would not only require victory but one by a clear two goal margin. It looks a huge task ahead and a huge ask but this CSKA side have been known to rustle a few feathers and frustrate opponents so there is still the small possibility that it could be them celebrating come the final whistle. 

Leonid Slutsky sent out a group of players well organised and hard to break down in the first leg at the San Siro, while it almost paid off. While CSKA were clearly in no mood to ask questions of the Inter defence, they were giving resolute defensive answers of their own as they repelled just about every attack Inter threw at them. The only blooper came when Diego Milito’s accurately driven shot sneaked past Akinfeev in the CSKA goal, but it was the only goal they conceded on the night and while they didn’t grab a goal of their own, it was a pleasing result and one that still leaves them with a fighting chance of making what would be considered a shock semi-final appearance. 

The good news is the Russian season is now well under way, and so fitness issues are no longer a concern to punters, while CSKA’s form back home in the Russian Premier League has been half decent after an unbeaten start to the season, winning two and drawing one of their first three games of the new season. However, although it’s early doors, CSKA Moscow haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders in front of goal of late managing just one from their opening two home league encounters, while it took a Mark Gonzalez beauty to score against Sevilla at the Luzhniki Stadium in the previous round. It was apparent in the first leg against Inter that CSKA weren’t a team full to the brim with creativity, but like most, we just thought it was all part of their away plan. However, that perhaps isn’t the case and unless they show more attacking vigour on Tuesday, CSKA could make a swift exit from a competition they’ve been overachieving in for far too long now.

CSKA know they have to take it to Inter Milan on Tuesday and we just don’t know where their goals are going to come from. With the way this second leg is set up, we don’t see CSKA keeping a clean sheet because their hunger to get a goal that would restore parity will mean they have to throw more numbers forward then they normally would, and that will lead to gaps at the back. They are an organised bunch and we don’t expect their defence to suddenly curl over, but as this game goes on without a goal for the home side, the pressure will begin to mount and it will be then when CSKA become vulnerable to Inter’s counter-attacks. We feel it’s paramount they land a blow fairly early on. Should they not, we don’t see CSKA Moscow going any further.

Inter Milan

Outright Odds: 4/1 Boylesports

To Qualify: 1.20 Bet365

Diego Milito’s strike at the San Siro put Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan within touching distance of a rare European semi-final with only a stubborn CSKA Moscow standing in the way of a glamour tie with Barcelona or Arsenal. After claiming the scalp of Chelsea in the previous round, Inter Milan will fancy their chances against either but must first claw their way out of this tie with a very spirited group of Russians.

Inter do sit in a precarious position mind after only scoring one at the San Siro in the first leg. In a game were many expected the Italians to roll CSKA over, Inter were deprived of attacking ideas for the best part of the first half before chances went begging in the second. At the midway point however, Milito’s goal in the second half gives Inter Milan the narrow advantage and if they could just conjure a goal in Moscow they would put one big foot in the semi-finals.

Inter struggled for room against CSKA in the first leg, with the Russians more than happy to sit back and repel and forthcoming attack from the Italians. However, with CSKA now boasting home advantage, the foot will now be on the other shoe as it’s CSKA who go in search of some goals. With this in mind, Inter’s players should have plenty more freedom on the ball and should carve out more openings than they did in the first leg in Italy. The irony is Jose Mourinho will more than likely adapt the same style of play of CSKA, sticking ten men behind the ball when not in possession and breaking out of defence on the counter whenever possible. It didn’t really work for CSKA in Italy but Inter Milan have the quality to make their counters pay and it should pay dividends in Russia. 

We don’t see Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan slipping up in Russia as we feel this second tie is made for them. It will be CSKA who will do most of the pressing and it will enable Inter to settle into their own area and get to grips with some counter-attacking football. Lets not forget that Italians are well renowned for their tight defences, while they frustrated Chelsea in England in the last round after previously taking a one goal advantage into the second leg which was also an away leg. Under Mourinho Inter are a well oiled machine and extremely well organised. They’ll be hard to break down and with their Russian opponents hardly boasting very little in terms of world class quality within their ranks, Inter shouldn’t really come across too many problems dispatching of the Russians.

Match Verdict: Inter Milan to WIN – 2.38 Boylesports

With CSKA needing a goal to level the aggregate scoring, Inter have a golden opportunity to exploit a normally well organised CSKA defence with some quick counters. Unlike the first leg where Inter were short of room due to CSKA sitting so deep, Jose Mourinho’s men will find they have more room for manoeuvre, more time to land their killer passes and should their striking pairing of Milito and Eto be on top of their game, we don’t see Inter fluffing their lines this time. An early goal for the Russian is the only way this tie can become competitive in our eyes as they are huge reservations over CSKA’s ability to break down a defence packed with world class defenders. Then again, Inter Milan have been prone to disappointing their loyal followers desperate for some European glory.

Match Odds:

CSKA Moscow – 3.20 Bet365

Draw – 3.30 Bodog

Inter Milan – 2.38 Boylesports

UEFA Champions League: Quarter-Finals, First Leg.

Inter Milan V CSKA Moscow

Wednesday, 31^st March – 19:45 GMT (Sky Sports)

Venue: San Siro

Inter Milan

Champions League Outright Odds: 4/1 PaddyPower

To Qualify: 1.33 Ladbrokes

It’s been a long time since Inter Milan were last part of a semi-final four piece, seven years in fact, and despite all their glory back in the Italian Serie A, winning the previous four league titles, the accolade the fans and the club desperately crave is a Champions League crown. They look set to make their first semi-final since 2003 this time around after receiving a ‘generous’ draw, although their Russian opponents have been a handful on the road this season and are a team that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Should Inter fall at the quarter-final hurdle, and that does appear a big ‘IF’, then it will be some fall from grace for the Italian Kings after seeing off one of the competition favourites in the previous round, Chelsea. The wise and oh so charismatic Jose Mourinho, or simply the ‘Special One’ as he likes to call himself, believes he has the tactical nous to oust every opponent that gets in their way this season, and who would doubt him after he got his tactics spot on against Chelsea in the last-sixteen stage of the tournament. Inter were in complete control of the first leg at the San Siro despite conceding to a Salomon Kalou strike, while they were rarely troubled at Stamford Bridge and even had the audacity to win that encounter at the Bridge 1-0 via a Samuel Eto strike.

Inter have the scalp, now they attempt to finish off a team which, on paper at least, should never of made it this far. Jose Mourinho will have a far greater selection of talent at his disposal than his opposite number, while Mourinho himself would probably say he’s the better coach of the two… by a distance. We wouldn’t disagree with either in fairness, and while the Russian’s will try to make a fist of this, we just don’t see Inter slipping up, especially at home in a venue they’ve not lost once at in this seasons competition; Winning two against Rubin Kazan and Chelsea, whilst drawing twice to Barcelona and Dynamo Kiev.

Inter’s preparations were dented however with yet another league defeat at the weekend, this time losing to a bitter rival in AS Roma 2-1. We do talk about league form a lot before big European clashes because we feel it contributes immensely to a teams form and momentum and they’re crucial factors in big clashes. However, it also leaves teams exposed and Inter are no exception now after taking their winless away run in the league to three games on Saturday. Inter have seriously struggled for confidence on the road and it was a pleasant surprise to see them winning at Stamford Bridge in the previous round as Inter had only previously managed one away win in their last five competitive away fixtures. Their 2-1 defeat in Rome at the weekend dented their beleaguered away form further as Inter went three games without a win, whilst they’ve only registered two wins in their last eight away fixtures in all competitions.

You maybe thinking, “Why is he talking about Inter’s away form”. Well, we think it’s safe to assume that Inter will win this first leg at home, so the deciding leg will be in Russia. It’s not the most idyllic of country’s to visit and it will be made worse by the fact Inter have struggled on the road in recent weeks. Moreover, Jose has already travelled to Russia in this seasons competition and failed to win after a 1-1 draw with Russian champions Rubin Kazan, while not too far off from Russia is Ukraine, a venue Inter have also briefly visited and that too, against Dynamo Kiev, was a rough encounter, although Inter did manage a 2-1 win after a late show from Wesley Sneijder. To put it into perspective, Jose Mourinho simply cannot rely on his side putting in an away performance worthy of going through, so he’ll need a resounding win in the home leg you would feel in order to avoid any scares in Russia. Anything less and Inter could be conceived as being vulnerable heading into the second leg in Russia.

CSKA Moscow

Champions League Outright Odds: 50/1 Coral

To Qualify: 3.80 bWin

CSKA have been this years charmers. A team few fancied to bypass the group stage of the tournament let alone get as far as the quarter-finals. They are here though, hopefully to stay if all you Jose Mourinho haters get your wicked way, although they’ll be hard pressed to get a decent result in the first leg away in Italy. Then again, as well as thriving off the underdog status this season, CSKA have also been a tidy little outfit on the road and will aim to send the Milan fans into despair once again as the ‘Moscowvian’ dream prepares to enter folklore.

That’s the script, quite whether the CSKA players have read it is open to debate, but the fact does remain that CSKA are no mugs. While CSKA do lack a great deal of European pedigree, they’ve proven in this years competition alone that they have bags of heart and steel and that they do have a surprise or two in them. Since losing their opening game in the Champions League losing 3-1 in Germany to Wolfsburg, CSKA haven’t tasted defeat away from their native Moscow and have actually built up plenty of steam after two successive away victories. They’re also unbeaten in their last five Champions League games so there is plenty to be optimistic about in Moscow right now. 

CSKA are also unbeaten in three games on the road in the Champions League and that’s certainly food for thought as they’ve also not been beaten back in Russia since Man Utd edged them out in a 1-0 loss back in October. They remain the only team to have beaten CSKA at home this season, while should the Moscow based club, although there are several of them, avoid defeat in Italy on Wednesday night, it will take their unbeaten run in the competition to six games. That’s definitely a statistic you should bare in mind as CSKA have scored plenty of goals away from home this season, 8 in 4 games, so a high scoring draw would favour them significantly returning home to Russia for the return leg in the knowledge that only Man Utd have beaten them in Russia this season, while that narrow 1-0 defeat was also the only occasion where CSKA Moscow failed to score in this seasons competition.

If CSKA’s scoring exploits are to be believed, they should at least find the back of Julio Cesar’s net on Wednesday night as they’ve not failed to score away from home in the Champions League thus far after four away encounters. However, by the same token, they’ve not kept a single clean sheet after eight games, home nor away. However, in each of their four home games, Igor Akinfeev in the CSKA has conceded exactly one goal, and while that seems alarming to some, it will bode well should they score a few in Milan on Wednesday. With their swift counter-attacking style, that just might happen as even the likes of Manchester United and Sevilla have failed in their bids to thwart the pacey CSKA breakaways.

Match Verdict: Inter Milan to WIN – 1.45 Expekt

There will be a decent number of CSKA fans travelling to what some consider the fashion capital of the world, Milan. They do have a case to be optimistic after some bright and prosperous away displays this season. However, this will be their sternest test of the lot and think the Moscow side will finally falter and relinquish their five match unbeaten streak. While CSKA Moscow have proven both a tough nut to crack and difficult to stop on the counter, they are becoming predictable and against a wise and football smart Jose Mourinho, Leonid Slutsky and CSKA Moscow could be outwitted.

Jose will know full well that any trip to Russia will be tough and that his troops didn’t exactly excel in their earlier visit to Russia against Rubin Kazan. Baring this in mind though, Jose will want to kill this tie off before the return leg in Russia and he’ll go for the jugular in Milan you would feel, demanding some attacking character and intent from his Inter team. They need to win this first leg, there is no doubting that, but ideally they need a comfortable win to ease the nerves when travelling to the Russian capital, Moscow. However, they’ve not put any of the previous four teams they’ve entertained at the San Siro to the sword as of yet so they will have to step into uncharted waters somewhat. While it’s also important, perhaps even more so, that Julio Cesar keeps a clean sheet in Italy in order to make the task in the second more brisk.

If Jose Mourinho gets his tactics right on the night like he did in both legs with Chelsea, Inter should win this first leg without too many scares. However, Inter have been prone to aroogance in the past by not giving their opponents the utmost of respect and will be punished in the same vein should they underestimate their Russian foes.

Match Odds:

Inter Milan – 1.45 Expekt

Draw – 4.30 SkyBet

CSKA Moscow – 10.00 SkyBet

Chelsea V Inter Milan

Tuesday, 16^th March – 19:45 GMT

TV Coverage: Sky Sports 2

First Leg: Inter Milan 2-1 Chelsea

In the battle between Chelsea and their former mentor, Jose Mounrinho, it was the latter who came out of the San Siro clash grinning after Inter Milan put one foot in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 first leg victory. In what was supposed to be a tetchy opening, Inter sprinted out of the blocks, and when Diego Milito of Inter Milan swivelled inside the Chelsea penalty area, there was only going to be one outcome as his low yet firm strike inside the near post sent the home crowd into raptures with the opening goal. It was some poor defending to blame though on Chelsea’s part, with John Terry in particular the guilty party. Inter held onto their lead into the interval, although that shouldn’t of been the case when Salomon Kalou was sent tumbling after a rash tackle from behind by Walter Samuel, although the ref clearly felt, or simply didn’t spot the incident to deem it worthy of a penalty.

The second half continued in the same manner the first ended, with Chelsea pressing for a much needed equaliser, and the Blues got their leveller when Salomon Kalou, whom was one of Chelsea’s better players on the night, tried his luck from outside the box only to see his effort sneak inside the far post, albeit with the aid of some lacklustre goalkeeping. Chelsea’s parity was short lived however as Esteban Cambiasso, a holding midfielder by trade, drilled home his effort from just inside the Chelsea box to restore Inter’s one goal advantage, and that’s how the game finished.

Who will qualify?

Despite edging into an aggregate lead, Inter remain as the underdogs, although the bookies do think they have every chance of making the quarter-final draw as the Italians have been slashed in price from 2.70 right down to 2.20 with StanJames, while Chelsea are a general 1.73 shot.

The clincher for most, and perhaps the bookies, is Kalou’s goal at the San Siro, a vital away goal for Chelsea. However, even if Chelsea did get the dream start at Stamford Bridge, Inter wouldn’t be out of the tie until Chelsea put three past the Italians, which, considering most Italian teams are famous for their resolute defending, could take some doing. An early strike for Inter, however, and it would leave Chelsea reeling and feeling the pressure, so the value in our opinion is with the Italians, although they’ve had a knack of disappointing us on English soil before so perhaps we’re expecting a little too much from Mourinho’s charges.

Chelsea

Outright Odds: 5/1 Boylesports

Their opponents, in a vein bid to gain the upper hand, were given an early fixture on Friday, although it worked against the Italians as Inter Milan lost in Catania 3-1. Chelsea, though, despite playing a day later and having a days less of recuperation, were in winning action as they smashed West Ham United 4-1 at Stamford Bridge, with the crowd already being warmed up to some goalscoring action, something Chelsea need to show their fans a lot more of on Tuesday night if they are to progress into the last-eight of the competition.

Chelsea need to score on Tuesday, that’s a given, and it’s difficult to oppose them at least fulfilling that objective. Their goalscoring form at home this season, both in the Premier League and the Champions League, has been impeccable, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men yet to have a baron 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge this season, whilst they’ve only lost once at home in all competitions. That was recent, however, when the blues lost in a resounding manner to Man City 4-2. Questions were being asked of the players after that miserable defeat and yet they answered them all in an authoritative manner by winning their following two fixtures, both of which were comfortable scoreline’s: Stoke City 2-0, West Ham 4-1. 

To bolster their superior credentials, Chelsea haven’t lost a home encounter in the Champions League in 21 games, subsequently winning 15 of those. That’s a staggering streak for Chelsea and Ancelotti, whom will be facing his former fiercest rivals in Inter Milan after previously being at the helm of AC Milan. Moreover, seven of their eleven goals scored in this competition thus far have come at The Bridge, so Chelsea look immensely strong to at least push Inter’s one goal advantage to the brink on Tuesday.

There are still a few minor concerns where Chelsea are involved, both of which are in defence. Firstly, Chelsea’s defending in recent games hasn’t been satisfactory to say the least, with silly mistakes slipping into their play, although few have cost them up till now. The second point is the absence of both Petr Cech and Hilario in the Chelsea goal, meaning third choice Ross Turnbull, whom played his first ultra competitive game of the season just last Saturday, will start between the sticks for Ancelotti and Chelsea – hardily a confidence booster for wannabe Chelsea backers.

Inter Milan

Outright Odds: 11/1 totesport

While Jose Mourinho should be plotting a plan worthy of sending his Inter Milan through to the quarter’s, he is instead having to encourage his troops after a miserable day at the office last Friday. Just four days before the showdown at Stamford Bridge, Inter were out in Catania aiming to go seven points clear of their nearest rivals, AC Milan, with the point of the Friday fixture being to allow the Inter players a days extra rest.. However, they instead suffered just their third defeat of the campaign and have now lost all momentum after previously going twelve games without defeat in Serie A.

Defeat against such an inferior opponent is arguably the worst warm up for the club ahead of ther biggest clash of the season thus far. Not only will the setback in not picking up any points harm the harmony at the club but it was also the manner in which they lost which stunned us the most. It was fair to say that Inter weren’t at the races on Friday night, with perhaps this very clash with Chelsea at the forefront of their thoughts. However, even so, there were no excuses as to why Inter were sloppy with possession and so rash with their tackles, with temperament clearly an issue within the Inter ranks.

There were a few areas which deeply disturbed us in Friday’s performance, one being Inter’s sheer lack of cool. Once Inter relinquished their narrow 1-0 lead they went to pieces, with Sulley Muntari’s rash challenge inside the Inter penalty box the direct result of an Inter capitulation. However, even before this gift of a penalty, their players were beginning to lose their heads, with rash tackles flying in from all quarters and players persistently arguing with the ref whenever a decision went against them. They looked a side very easy to wind up, and in a game where players simply have to keep their cool, perhaps Inter are exposed to several scenario’s, one being an early strike from Chelsea while the other being some poor referring decisions, as Inter’s players have proven on plenty of occasions this season that they can capitulate when both or one arises.

Inter’s record on the road in the group stages wasn’t particularly great (1-1-1), losing at the Nou Camp to Barcelona in their last away encounter in the Champions League. Moreover, the football God’s are against the Italian’s, with Inter exiting this stage of the competition in their previous three seasons, while their previous two have been at the hands of English opponents in Man Utd & Liverpool. Mourinho will also need to guide his Inter team to their first goal on English soil in six years if they are to grab a vital away goal, although you have to stretch back six years for their last victory in England: A 3-0 win over Arsenal.

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.62 totesport

Chelsea seem to have brushed their recent blips under the carpet after two successive wins under their belts now. Inter, however, were putting in a less-than-convincing display away at Catania on Friday night, falling to just their third defeat of the season. That defeat will have been a bitter blow to Inter’s preperations head of their biggest game of the season so far, but they do travel to London with the lead and in the knowledge that a solid defensive display could take them through. However, Inter rarely do clean sheets when away from home, having yet to keep on in the Champions League this season, so the task is a daunting one when you consider Inter probably have to score at least once to have any realistic hopes of making the quarter’s.

This looks too big an ask if you ask me, although Inter do look more equipped to handle the Chelsea onslaught than in previous season. Even so, Chelsea look so strong and even warmed up for this encounter in immense fashion, smashing four goals past West Ham at the weekend, leaving the Chelsea players in buoyant mood ahead of their Italian opponents arrival. Carlo Ancelotti has a consistent group of players at his disposal, especially when playing in front of a capacity home crowd and we’re expecting the blues of London to come out on top as Inter drop out at the last-sixteen stage for the fourth year running.

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 1.62 totesport

Draw – 4.00 VCbet

Inter Milan – 6.00 Bet365

Internazionale V Chelsea

Wednesday, 24^th February – 19:45 GMT (ITV1)

Introduction

The draw for the last sixteen has drawn up another nostalgic clash as Jose Mourinho, a former manager and hero at Chelsea, sets out to topple the current league leaders of the Premiership at the San Siro in what will be the most eagerly anticipated tie in this second set of last sixteen fixtures. While this isn’t exactly a battle between kings, by this time next season it could quite easily be just that as both Inter Milan & Chelsea lead their respective leagues by a healthy margin, meaning, in theory, we have an intriguing tie between what is the best teams in Italy & England respectively.

Jose Mourinho, one of the more animated and charismatic managers currently on the scene, was drafted in at Inter almost immediately after departing Chelsea with the objective being to bring home some European glory for his new employers. However, even the ‘Special One’ hasn’t be able to work his magic at a club which has been doomed in European competitions in recent seasons, with the club having gone nearly half-a-century without a major European accolade (discounting their successess in the UEFA Cup during the 90′s). Chelsea, though, are in the same boat having not won a European trophy ever, but they have a Champions League veteran at the helm in Carlo Ancelotti, whom has won this competition twice as both a player and manager, so will his vast European experience prove the difference in a contest between two clubs starving for European glory?

To Qualify

Internazionale – 2.70 bWin Chelsea – 1.53 Bet365 

Internazionale

Champions League Odds: 14/1 888Sport

The enticement of this tie is solely based upon the match up between Jose Mourinho and is former club, Chelsea. The Portuguese manager has enjoyed success in every area as manager but now has the mission of all missions in somehow trying to guide Inter Milan to an elusive and much craved European title. However, if they are to do so they will need to overcome one of the competitions more fancied clubs by beating the current leaders of the English Premier League, Chelsea.

The club are desperate for some European success and won’t have been impressed with their draw either. Inter would have preferred a far easier draw than the one they received and will be hard-pressed to progress judging by their recent attempts in the knock-out phase of the competition, losing out to English opponents in their previous two first round knock-out attempts when losing to Manchester United last season and Liverpool back in 2008. They’ve also not surpassed the last-sixteen stage of the tournament in their last three seasons so how will they go about changing their fortunes in what is probably their hardest assignment of the lot?

Inter Milan are known for their solid, stable foundation at the back but have always maintained this steely edge in attack. However, they’ve been stuttering badly of late, drawing their last three league games in Serie A, with none of those coming against the so called elite sides in Italy. On Saturday, Inter had to work extremely hard just to earn a point from a fixture they looked destined to lose at Half-Time after going into the break with just nine men. However, the tactical genius of the man at the helm, aided by some good fortune, seen Inter cling onto their unbeaten home run and that will stand them in good stead ahead of an even tougher examination on Wednesday night. However, it remains to be seen just how much playing with nine men took out of Jose Mourinho’s players as it was a gruelling encounter, one which required 100% effort from every player.

Inter’s recent lack of form is a major concern as the one thing you definitely need heading into a Champions League encounter is momentum, and Inter currently don’t have a lot of that right now, nor do they possess a team brimming with confidence it would seem. They were rash, untidy and wasteful on Saturday in a game they were mighty fortunate not to have lost. Clearly this drought of theirs is getting to the players and the frustration within camp is steadily beginning to grow. However, it’s imperative they keep their cool in this contest as any rash dismissal at the San Siro in midweek would almost certainly hand the initiative to Chelsea and more than likely see Inter travel to England with a first leg deficit to overcome.

Chelsea

Champions League Odds: 9/2 SportingBet 

Chelsea kept up their title winning charge with a routine win at Wolves on Saturday, although their performance probably didn’t merit all three points. It was an unconvincing display from Carlo Ancelotti’s men, whom travels back to where he enjoyed his most successful spell as manager, Milan, and he will pit his wits against his former clubs fiercest rivals in Inter Milan. That intense rivalry will still burn brightly inside Ancelotti and he will have a point to prove just as much as his opposite number will, so who will win this intriguing battle of the managers?

While Chelsea weren’t their impressive selves at the weekend, the win was important as it ensured the club didn’t suffer their first back-to-back defeats of the season after losing 2-1 in their previous outing at Everton – A team which franked the form by beating Manchester United 3-1 on Saturday. On the whole, though, Chelsea have been a model of consistency in terms of winning games and have picked up six wins from their last eight league games, not including a couple of FA Cup victories. However, their performances of late have been well below par, especially in defence, an area where Chelsea were very poor on Saturday and were thankful that Petr Cech was back to his best in the Chelsea goal and spared Chelsea’s blushes with some superb point-blank saves. John Terry’s recent off-pitch drama has led to a decline in his performance levels, while the absence of Ashley Cole down the left has left a void which Ancelotti has found hard to fill. 

The good news for Chelsea fans is that Didier Drogba hasn’t lost the scintillating form he was in just before he left for the African Cup of Nations and has got straight back down to business by scoring a large chunk of Chelsea’s recent goals, bagging a brace on Saturday in the 2-0 win at Wolves. The Ivorian is arguably enjoying his best ever spell at the club, his career even, and is looking irresistible at the moment. His understanding of the play is so much better, his confidence on the ball is enabling him to drive at defences while his composure in goalscoring positions has been outstanding and has resulted in plenty of goals for him. Drogba, whom was a personal favourite of Mourinho and a potential signing at one stage, could come back to haunt the former Chelsea boss by scoring a crucial away goal at the San Siro, one that would heavily alter the balance of the tie in Chelsea’s favour.

While Chelsea should have enough in their locker to see of the Italian champs, their problems at the back are disturbing, if not alarming. Careless mistakes are creeping into their play while there is a distinct lack of organisation at the back, which is bewildering considering they have the former England captain in the heart of their defence. A fairly weak Wolves offence could of scored at least a couple on Saturday were it not for Petr Cech, and the sight of this will have Jose Mourinho licking his lips as the likes of Eto, despite having a poor spell in front of goal, and Diego Milito, whom has been on fire for Inter this season, could pounce on any mistakes.

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.20 Bet365

Inter will require far more patience than they’ve been showing in recent outings, especially against a Chelsea side which will pile plenty of men behind the ball when not in possession. Chelsea, however, will look to capitalise on the few opportunities they do create as we aren’t too sure as to how dominant they will want to be at the San Siro. Their midfield has hardly been in inspired form of late, while their defence is looking so exposed that Carlo Ancelotti won’t want to leave any gaps when Chelsea to stride forward. We feel Chelsea will approach this first leg in a ‘safety first’ manner, and by that we mean defending in numbers, with discipline in a bid to snatch one on a rare venture forward whilst trying to keep a clean sheet. This could prove a worthy tactic as Inter have shown in recent games alone that they can be easily frustrated and do lose their cool under pressure. 

If we had to pick a side to win then it would be Chelsea but their defence is looking far too vulnerable right now and so we’ve opted for the draw instead as we can’t see Inter winning, despite this shaping up as probably their best chance to beat an English side if Chelsea’s defence isn’t at its best. Chelsea just have that feel about them that they won’t lose on Wednesday, so our money will go directly on the draw, although a Chelsea win could prove a more likelier outcome considering Inter always fail to perform on the big stage in the big games.

Match Odds:

Internazionale – 2.75 VCbet

Draw – 3.20 Bet365

Chelsea – 2.75 PaddyPower

Inter Milan V FC Rubin Kazan

Wednesday 9^th December – 19:45 GMT

Group F

Group F seen two giants of the European world clash in the same group, with Inter Milan Barcelona expected to stroll to comfortable qualification against two lesser teams on paper. However, that certainly hasn’t been the case and, although Barcelona have secured the rightful place in the next round, Inter haven’t, and to emulate Barcelona they will have to record a victory over a |Rubin Kazan side that had the beating of them back on Russian soil, albeit Inter sneaking a 1-1 draw.

Rubin Kazan, however, would also sail through with a surprise victory at the San Siro on Tuesday but, after their showing against the Italian champions on Match Day 1, perhaps a Russian win wouldn’t be a complete bolt out of the blue. The pair are currently sat side-by-side in the Group, level on six points, but a win for either would settle the qualifying debate. However, a draw does complicate things a little. A low-scoring draw (0-0 or 1-1) would favour the Italians, with Milan boasting a better goal scoring record, while 2-2 or higher would see the Russian go through on a better head-to-head record, with Rubin outscoring Milan’s away effort in Russia of just one goal.

Inter Milan

Group F Position: 2^nd

Group F Form: DDDWL

The campaign thus far may have derailed several stations down the road but back at the San Siro, a spiritual home for Inter, Jose Mourinho’s under-fire troops should record the win they need to book their place in the last sixteen. However, the three points aren’t a formality for the Italian’s as their form at home in this seasons Champions League hasn’t been good. Two successive draws with Barcelona (0-0) and then Dynamo Kiev (1-1), the latter an especially disappointing result, means that Inter are without a home win this seasons campaign.=, but what a time to amend that poor run.

Back in domestic action, Inter have been extremely strong on home soil, having yet to lose at the San Siro all season, winning six and drawing two. A 75% winning average. They’ve also been more than accomplished in the final third, scoring 17 goals at home this season, averaging just over two-goals-a-game. However, although their home form has been more then ideal, the defeat away in Turin last Saturday will only have hindered Milan’s morale heading into this meeting with Rubin Kazan. The Italian champions lead the way in Serie A and have done for some time, but the defeat away at Juventus has given them an unwanted setback, with Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A now reduced to just the four points.

For now, at least, Inter must concentrate fully on the task at hand and that’s arguably their biggest game of the season thus far. The ball is in their court still, with the players knowing a win would be enough, but will that be a stumbling block in how they play. In our opinion, Inter need to air the side of caution. Going out all guns blazing wouldn’t be the best solution to their problem as the Russian’s pose a big threat on the counter, just ask Barcelona. However, we feel a more patient game is needed, one where Inter need to test their opponents resilience by keeping the ball for long periods of time, switching the plays, running at the full-backs. Inter must grind down their Tuesday night enemy’s if they want to progress as Kazan have proved to be a tough nut to crack in this seasons Champions League, with their defence being their basis for success this season.

Rubin Kazan

Group F Position: 3^rd

Group F Form: LDWDD

Rubin Kazan have had their minds focused on the Champions League for some time now after strolling to their second successive league title back home. This success has had a positive affect on their Champions League form as the Russian have not only walked away from their recent encounters with respect and appraisal but they are also in a very prominent position to progress, with a win all that’s required to book their spot in the last sixteen, also. However, not having home advantage is a big negative for us and we think they could come unstuck at the San Siro in what should be a nervy encounter.

With the league wrapped up, the Champions League has been their main focus in recent weeks and they could be on the verge of receiving their just rewards for all their hard work. However, only a win or a high scoring draw will do for them so they will need to play on the front foot, something they aren’t renowned for back home. Kazan have made an instant impact both back in Russia and in Europe by setting up in a very defensive, some would say negative, manner and hitting sides on the counter. This was evident at the Nou Camp where Kazan recorded a surprise 2-1 victory over the World Champions, Barcelona. That result should emphasises just how dangerous a team Kazan can be but how will they fare knowing they have to score several goals on the night?

However, Kazan may have claimed the scalp of Barcelona in their last away outing in the competition but they were undone in Ukraine by an awkward Dynamo Kiev side, a team which held Inter to a 1-1 draw at the San Siro and almost stole more points from the Italians’ back in Kiev. Nevertheless, Kazan’s adventurous style of play got them into deep trouble and they paid a big price in the form of a 3-1 defeat. They will have to play in a similar manner on Tuesday and this could lead to their downfall. However, they could also opt to play it safe by attempting to hold Inter off for large periods of the game in a bid to sneak a late winner. Who actually knows how the Russian’s will line up which does make them a very dangerous side.

Match Verdict:- Inter Milan to WIN – 8/15 VCbet

A shock could be on the cards but we expect Inter to dominate proceedings for large parts of the game and, despite putting ion some valiant and immense defensive performances thus far, we don’t think Kazan will keep the Italians’ at bay for the full 90 minutes. Inter will need to be wary of the threat Kazan pose on the counter but Jose Mourinho will know all about that by know and should be able to combat the count threat of Kazan. A home win for us, one that would lead to progression for Inter Milan.

Match Odds:

Inter Milan – 8/15 VCbet

Draw – 16/5 SkyBet

Rubin Kazan – 7.00 SkyBet

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Inter Milan to Win by 1 goal – 12/5 BlueSquare

Inter Milan V Barcelona

Kick-Off: Tuesday 15^th September – 19:45 GMT

Venue: San Siro (Italy)

There are many intriguing ties in the Champions League this week but none will match the hype surrounding the game of two returning strikers as Samuel Eto’o & Zlatan Ibrahimovic make an instant return home back to a familiar hunting ground but something tells me the latter won’t get such a rousing reception at the San Siro this evening. Zlatan left the San Siro on somewhat unpleasant terms with the striker clearly hinting at a move to a ‘Big Club’ for some time before the transfer eventually went through, and the fact that Jose Mourinho was quick to dash any speculation that Ibrahimovic was far better than Eto just speaks words on how Ibrahimovic and Mourinho actually got on.

The Battle of Eto & Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, however, is the inform striker of the two after scoring in both of Barcelona’s opening two fixtures in La Liga, putting one past a poor Sporting Gijon at the Nou Camp on his league début and then exploiting Getafe’s back line when he prodded home his second of the campaign on Saturday. He has, though, not been his glistening best but he’s put that down to his niggling injuries that he has had to endure over the summer and he ‘still’ recovering from them. However, the Swede does insist that the best is yet to come from him claiming “you’ve not see the real, Zlatan”.

Samuel Eto’o had also found the net twice this season but both his goals came in quick succession, at the very start of the season. He has since gone two games without finding the opposing net but this does look a glorious opportunity for the Cameroon international to end his mini baron run and put one over on some old friends.

Two inform Teams

Inter have hardly been in sublime form but their early setback, drawing 1-1 with Bari at the San Siro, on the opening day of the season, was put right with two successive victories over AC Milan (0-4) & Parma (2-0), with the very first result being a resounding 4-0 win over their bitter Milan rivals. Inter have now scored six goals in their last two games, conceding just one goal in their opening three games. However, Barcelona represent Inter’s first real test of the new campaign and their defence will certainly be under constant pressure from the silky attacks of Xavi & Iniesta, if the latter plays.

Barcelona have made light work of their opening fixtures back in the Spanish Primera, registering two unsurprising wins over Sporting Gijon (3-0) & Getafe (0-2). However, Barcelona took a while to get going away at Getafe, who are a side with a lean defence, so lumping on Barca making the early breakthrough might not be wise if they were to walk out of the blocks like they did on Saturday.

Game Plans

Barcelona will play their usual patient passing style at the San Siro, with the likes of Xavi & possibly Iniesta plotting to exploit the Inter back line with some silky but crisp through balls through to their new start studded striker – Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Jose Mourinho tends to back the midfield up whenever Inter face some of the toughest sides in Europe and tonight should be no exception, despite this being a home fixture. Patrick Veira doesn’t seem to be at the forefront of Mourinho’s plans this season but he may get a run out from the start in a bid to protect Milan’s back four. Sulley Muntari will have a big part to play in terms of breaking up the Barcelona attacks, while Inter’s main source of creativity will come from both Dejan Stankovic and new Real Madrid signing, Wesley Sneider, who was outstanding in his league début.

Betting Market

Inter Milan look an outstanding price to make the early breakthrough in Group F with victory over Barcelona, with Jose Mourinho’s side currently available at 23/10 with Bet365, totesport & Coral. That looks a crazy price with Barca’a reputation obliviously the catalyst for such a ridiculous market. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t think Barcelona will win as they do have the qualities required to brush aside any team on their day. However, considering Barcelona are a best priced 8/5 with PaddyPower, we can clearly see where the value is.

Betting Odds:

Inter Milan – 23/10 Bet365

Barcelona – 8/5 PaddyPower

Draw – 2/1 Ladbrokes

Football-Betting.co.uk Tip: Inter Milan to WIN – 23/10 Bet365