UEFA Champions League PREVIEW | Inter v Viktoria Plzeň

Inter host Viktoria Plzeň in their fifth group-stage fixture of the 2022/23 Champions League season. Winning the game could ensure Inter’s qualification into the next round.

Considering all the possible outcomes, it is a crucial match not only for Inter but also for Barcelona, with Xavi’s side still three points behind Simone Inzaghi’s men in the respective group. When it comes to Barça’s chances of qualifying for the knock-out stages, a win on Wednesday for Inter could put end to that, earning the Italian side a spot in the next round.

As for Plzeň, it is now down to a matter of pride. Playing in front of a packed San Siro on a European night could bring the best out of Michal Bílek’s men. Barcelona will surely be hoping that the visitors manage to pull off an upset against the Nerazzurri. Though, the Czech club had to face a 2-0 defeat when they welcomed the 19-time Scudetto winners earlier this season.

Results in the last five matches in all competitions:

Inter: W-W-D-W-W

Viktoria Plzeň: W-L-W-L-W

Team News

The hosts have a few absentees. But there is also a sense of optimism around the fitness of Romelu Lukaku, who is closing in on returning to action for Inter after an absence of around two months. Alex Cordaz and Marcelo Brozović will not for available for Inzaghi’s team on Wednesday due to their fitness issues.

Attacker Jan Sýkora should remain sidelined with his respective injury alongside Jan Kliment and Jan Kopic. Bílek doesn’t have any suspension to deal with. Tomáš Chorý, who has scored two goals in the Champions League this season, should lead the line for the visitors.

Inter predicted XI vs Viktoria Plzeň (3-5-2):

Onana; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Dzeko, Lautaro.

Viktoria Plzeň predicted XI vs Inter (4-2-3-1):

Staněk; Havel, Hejda, Pernica, Jemelka; Bucha, Kalvach; Jirka, Vlkanova, Mosquera; Chory.

GIFN | Jyotirmoy Halder

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