Heavyweight clash at the Nou
Group C is providing us with Wednesday's heavyweight matchup entertainment when Spanish FC Barcelona welcome Italian FC Internazionale Milano to the Camp Nou. Further introductions are definitely not needed so let's jump right into it.
A bumpy ride for Barça
The Catalonians have, according to their standards, had a very poor start to this season after having won 4, drawn 1 and losing 2 of their first 7 games of their domestic campaign. They also barely managed a draw at Dortmund during their first Champions League game and were outplayed for the majority of that game.
Ernesto Valverde has been facing mounting criticism from fans and media (pretty much the same thing in Spain) after the team's "bad start" but nowadays, appearing more often than not, the grounds on which the complaints are based are rather sensationalised and grossly exaggerated.
No Magic without Messi
Firstly, yes, it is true Barca have been performing below-par away from home where they have drawn 2 and lost 2 in all competitions. Complaints regarding their defeat against Granada (0-2) and draw at Osasuna (2-2) were justified but their defeat at Bilbao during matchday 1 (0-1) is no anomaly due to that fixture being notoriously difficult for all teams.
My query with all of this is that Barcelona have always been horrible away from home without Messi, they rely so heavily on the Argentinian that they look lost without him, on the road at least.
Home comforts at the Camp Nou
Things look much brighter at the Camp Nou where they are 3 for 3 and were mightily impressive during their victories against Real Betis ( 5-2) and Valencia 5-2). They also beat another top 4 contender in the form of Villa Real meaning that all 3 of their home victories were against top sides and things are suddenly not looking as glum as people make it out to be.
However, they now face a revitalised Inter under Antonio Conte's tutelage without the little magician in what will almost guaranteed be their most difficult home game thus far.
Inimitable Inter
Antonio Conte's men have kicked off the season in phenomenal form bagging 6 wins from a possible 6 in league play and are the only team to have done so leaving them alone in pole position.
I Nerazzurri have scored 13 goals and have only conceded 2 in the process fueling the discussion on whether or nor they can seriously challenge Juve for the Scudetto this season and the answer is yes, yes, and yes.
A squad with serious talent
The acquisition of Lukaku has been revolutionary, there is nothing more to it. But he's not the only one deserving of praise because Inter have one of, if not the best defence in Europe consisting of Stefan de Vrij, Milan Skriniar and of course, General Diego Godin (yes they are all centre-half's because they play 3-5-2).
Last but not least, their midfield. Incredibly compact and skilful consisting of players like Nicolo Barella, Marcelo Brozovic, Stefano Sensi, Roberto Gagliardini and Matias Vecino. I cannot emphasise how much i like the way they play more than i have without sounding like a total spaz.
Barcelona vs. Inter Milan Betting tip
Barcelona have had a tough time without Messi and i can see that continuing against this Inter side which is why i will be a bit ballsy and back an Inter draw or win at 29/20 with Bethard.
