Experienced Inter to have too much for young Bayer

Inter Milan face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarter final showdown on Monday evening. Both sides made their way into the last eight in convincing fashion last time out, dispatching Getafe and Rangers with ease. Antonio Conte’s Serie A runners up are amongst the favourites for the competition, with Bayer Leverkusen an attractive outshot with a host of young attacking talent in their ranks. It could be said that there is more on the line for the Bundesliga’s fifth placed side with Internazionale already booking their spot in the Champions League domestic performance. Inter are the more accomplished side however are only narrow favourites to win the game in 90 minutes.

Background

Inter have kept seven clean sheets in their last seven games, showcasing the positive influence summer signing Diego Godin has had on the backline. With Conte’s beloved three at the back formation proving very solid. The underdogs, Die Werkself, tend to tire towards the end of games and have been prone to lapses in concentration in this competition, conceding their last seven Europa League goals beyond the hour mark. The match is back in familiar territory for Leverkusen, the home of German side Fortuna Dusseldorf, who have recently been relegated from the topflight, Peter Bosz’s men will be more familiar with their surroundings.

Ones to watch

With Inter being the biggest cheese on this side of the draw, reaching the final and facing Manchester United is looking more likely round by round. This would be an eye-catching spectacle with the likes of Ashley Young, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku in line to play against their old club. The latter and lethal Belgian centre forward scored the opener versus Getafe and would love to get one up over his previous employers. He has found the net three times in as many outings in the competition, following up his most successful league season in front of goal since his Everton days. It will be a mouth-watering contest seeing him take on Sven Bender and young Edmond Tapsoba on Monday evening.

Moussa Diaby has slipped under the radar a little this season, when you think of Leverkusen Kai Havertz is the immediate name to pop into your head. The former PSG academy player certainly boasts a greater creative impact than his German colleague and returned to action well in netting the only goal of the game in his side’s last 16 second leg victory over Rangers. Still only 21 years of age with pace to burn he is bound to cause problems, lining up on the same side of the pitch 34-year-old defender Diego Godin is typically deployed.

If Inter can frustrate this bright Leverkusen side in the opening exchanges they should be able to grind them down as the game goes on. It will be an intriguing tactical battle.

Inter Milan – Bayer Leverkusen Betting Tip

Inter Milan to Qualify + Bayer Leverkusen to Score Under 2.5 goals with bet365 at odds of 19/25 or 1.73.

Bet Inter Milan to Qualify + Bayer Leverkusen to Score Under 2.5 goals on Bet365