Inter can seal progression with a third win in five Group C games after taking four points from Barcelona in two epic encounters; Plzen are out of contention but could still snag a Europa League spot through an unlikely turn of events.
Team News
Inter Milan
- Despite the fact that midfield maestro Marcelo Brozovic is still out with a thigh injury – Henrikh Mkhitaryan should fill in for the Croatian – Inter can include Romelu Lukaku in their squad on Wednesday.
- The on-loan striker returns after a six-week absence, but will likely start on the bench, leaving Simone Inzaghi with a choice between Edin Dzeko and Joaquin Correa to partner in attack with in-form forward Lautaro Martinez.
- Since his debut in the Champions League in 2018, he has scored more goals for the Nerazzurri than any other player (eight). The last one at San Siro, however, was three years ago.
- Midfielder Roberto Gagliardini is expected to return, but Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu, along with weekend match-winner Mkhitaryan, are expected to form the hosts’ central trio.
Viktoria Plzen
- Plzen, meanwhile, made several changes after losing to part-timers in the Czech Cup on Saturday, and a strong side started the 3-1 win over Banik Ostrava.
- Jan Kliment, who scored against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last time out, and Tomas Chory’s strike partnership may be broken up as Michal Bilek reverts to a lone striker away from home in Europe; Fortune Bassey is also in contention to play up front.
- In a probable 4-2-3-1 formation, veteran Lukas Hejda captains the side from centre-back.
Possible Lineup
Inter Milan: Onana; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Gosens; Martinez, Dzeko; Martinez, Dzeko
Viktoria Plzen: Stanek; Havel, Hejda, Pernica, Jemelka; Kalvach, Bucha; Kopic, Vlkanova, Mosquera; Chory
Prediction Analysis
Inter are starting to hit top gear and are quite capable of securing the points required for progression, but their recent defensive record gives Plzen some hope. Even if the game is evenly balanced after 45 minutes, 12 of the Nerazzurri’s last 14 Champions League goals have come in the second half, implying that another late flurry is possible.
Our prediction is Inter Milan 3-0 Viktoria Plzen