Barcelona and Inter Milan are scheduled to clash on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie. Barcelona is in strong form, having recently secured the Copa del Rey and maintaining their hopes of a treble. In contrast, Inter is seeking to bounce back after losing the Coppa Italia final and falling behind in the Serie A standings.
A worrying trend for the Italian side is their recent inability to score, conceding five goals without reply in their last three competitive matches. Star striker Marcus Thuram missed these games due to injury, but his potential return for the Barcelona encounter would provide a significant boost. His dynamic partnership with Lautaro Martinez is crucial for creating space and posing a constant threat to opposing defenses with their finishing prowess.
Thuram did participate in training on Tuesday and is now anticipated to be in the starting lineup. Given his importance to Inter`s offensive system, his likely inclusion, even if not at peak fitness, will undoubtedly strengthen the team, especially when facing a high-caliber opponent like Barcelona.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will be without Robert Lewandowski due to injury, but the team still possesses ample attacking options. Ferran Torres is expected to lead the line, and his link-up play with Dani Olmo could create difficulties for Inter. However, the primary threats may come from the wings via Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Raphinha has had a remarkable season with 30 goals and 23 assists across all competitions, making a strong case for individual awards. Yamal, at just 17, is also having an outstanding campaign with 14 goals and 24 assists.
Yamal`s productivity at such a young age is extraordinary, and he continues to develop rapidly. Lewandowski`s absence is notable, but considering Inter has allowed a fair number of shots in the Champions League this season, Barcelona should still find opportunities to score. A match with multiple goals would likely favor the Spanish club, although Thuram`s presence could alter the tactical landscape.
With the first leg taking place in Spain, the pressure is on Inter to break their recent poor run. Their defense will also be weakened by the expected absence of Benjamin Pavard. While Barcelona`s high defensive line might offer some chances for Inter, it might not be enough for the Italian side to keep pace.
Predicted lineups
Barcelona XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres
Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrik Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Mehdi Taremi
How to watch FC Barcelona vs. Inter and odds
- Date: Wednesday, April 30
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys– Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: FC Barcelona -165; Draw +300; Inter +425
