The Champions League “League Phase” has almost come to an end, and there is everything to win, when Borussia Dortmund host Inter Milan for a clash of titans at The Westfalenstadion. This is a very tough opponent to face in what could very well be a direct ticket to the top eight that will secure direct advancement to the next round. Inter Milan sit just one point above BVB in the Champions League table, and what has characterized their Champions League run so far has been beating teams they should
beat and losing to their more equal European competitors (Liverpool, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid). In Serie A, I Nerazzurri sit relatively comfortably in first place, five points ahead of their city rivals, AC Milan. Cristian Chivu (what a throwback) has turned the black and blue team from Milano into a very tough, disciplined side that are able to bag a lot of goals (50 goals in 22 games in the league so far). Besides Real Madrid, PSG and other teams alike, Inter Milan might just be “the best of the rest” when it comes to strong oppositions in Europe this year. BVB will have to play an almost perfect game for a chance of advancement—a chance that also depends on teams further up the table dropping points. Los geht’s!
Player to Watch: Federico Dimarco
Honestly there are a lot of names to pick from here, but I ended up having to choose between top scorer Lautaro Martinez and world class wing back, Federico Dimarco. The 28-year old Italian is what I would surely consider the best in his position in the world, and it’s mostly down to his offensive capabilities. This season, Dimarco has a amassed five goals and nine assists in 20 league games (yes, you read that correctly). An absolute bonkers return for a player that isn’t even fielded as an all out offensive player.
BVB’s full backs looked especially vulnerable in the horrific showing against Tottenham Hotspur last week, and they will have to be at their very best when Dimarco plays quick one-two’s with Inter’s midfield. We can expect a lot of runs in behind, and I don’t think Julian Ryerson will be able to handle that alone (not that he has to).
Predicted Starting XI:
Kovac has already revealed that neither Niklas Süle or Marcel Sabitzer will be available for tomorrow’s match. Daniel Svensson will also be out following his red card against Tottenham. This leaves a very limited number of players for a starting XI. I expect Kovac to approach this game relatively carefully. What I mean by that is throwing in Beier and Adeyemi and hope their work rate can help cancel out Inters wide play. To BVB’s luck, Barella, Calhanoglu and Dumfries will be out—three players that slot straight into the starting XI, should they be healthy.
What I’m most afraid up is whether Jobe will be able to hold his own in midfield. Nmecha is pretty press resistant and usually quite precise, but Jobe has been a bit more wobbly during his time in Dortmund. This is a big test for the young Englishman—let’s just hope he passes.
Score Prediction:
I honestly think this Inter side will be a bit too much for BVB to handle. Their record is extremely solid, and they have enough key players to really hurt this team. My score prediction is 2-2 with BVB going into the play offs, unfortunately.
