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Inter come into this fixture having been knocked off top spot domestically, with a stalemate against Napoli at the weekend adding to the disappointment of a recent derby defeat to Milan.
The Nerazzurri have experienced little difficulty seeing of lesser teams this season, but they have struggled a little against the better sides. They’re W1-D6-L3 over 90 minutes when taking on the top five in domestic competitions, as well as their European clashes with Real Madrid in the group stages, managing just a single clean sheet across those 10 fixtures.
Liverpool’s title ambitions appear slender, with Man City unlikely to drop too many points and allow them back in, but Jurgen Klopp will be pleased that his side were able to come through the wind and rain to record a sixth win on the bounce away at Burnley and keep up the pressure.
The Reds are now unbeaten in nine, as only Chelsea and Arsenal have denied them victories, navigating a potentially tricky month without Mo Salah and Sadio Mane as Egypt and Senegal both made it to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The capture of Luis Diaz has only strengthened Klopp’s forward options, while the in-form Diogo Jota should return to the line-up having started on the bench against Burnley owing to a dead leg.
Divock Origi is Klopp’s only doubt, but wouldn’t have been considered for a starting role in any case, so Liverpool will effectively be at full strength for this clash.
Liverpool To Win And Both Teams To Score
Inter are missing back-up striker Joaquin Correa and wing-back Robin Gosens through injury, as well as Nicolo Barella from suspension. The latter is the biggest loss and will also miss the second leg, and will likely be replaced by Arturo Vidal in midfield.
Whereas Inter had to settle for second place in their group behind Real Madrid and ahead of Sheriff Tiraspol and Shakhtar Donetsk, Liverpool made light work of a group that appeared fraught with danger on paper.
They won all six games against Atletico Madrid, Porto and Milan, registering 17 goals along the way, and it would come as little surprise if this match offered up more entertainment.
Inter have kept just two clean sheets across their past eight fixtures and having fared badly in that regard against the top sides this term, they’ll do well to keep Liverpool’s bolstered attack at bay.
They should however fancy their chances of netting at the other end, with Klopp’s side managing just two shutouts from their past seven away trips, and in none of their past five on the road in Europe.
In fact, Liverpool have kept just a single clean sheet from eight away legs in the Champions league knockouts since 2017/18.
PREDICTION:
LIVERPOOL TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
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