Champions League: Liverpool aim to complete Italian job against Inter

Late show gives Reds advantage

Liverpool carry a 2-0 lead into their Champions League last-16 second-leg encounter against Inter at Anfield on Tuesday.

Jurgen Klopp’s men were given a stern examination in Milan three weeks ago, but showed their predatory qualities to steal a lead thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in the final 15 minutes.

The Reds are priced at 1.6 to progress thanks to a second victory, while they are on offer at 4.4 to draw. Inter can be backed at 6.2 to win on the night. 

Liverpool are red hot

Liverpool continued their outstanding form at the weekend as they defeated West Ham 1-0 thanks to a goal from Sadio Mane. It was not their most sparkling display of the season, but it represented a 12th successive win in all competitions if the penalty shoot-out success over Chelsea in the League Cup final is included. 

Certainly, there is little evidence to suggest that the Reds might fail to qualify from this commanding position. They are given a 97% chance to go through to the quarter-finals.

Indeed, they have been immense in Europe this season. Klopp’s side have won all seven of their Champions League fixtures this season and have scored at least two goals in each of those. Among their victims in the group stage were Milan, who lost 3-2 in an Anfield thriller. This match should be an easier watch for the home support.

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk will be aiming for another solid defensive display to help his side into the Champions League quarter-finals

Inter seeking a miracle 

Inter, unlike their hosts, have found the going really difficult in recent weeks. They entered 2022 top of Serie A, but since then have picked up only three victories from eight games and have seen Milan leapfrog them in the standings.

There was some better news for Simone Inzaghi’s side on Saturday as they defeated Salernitana 5-0 at San Siro, yet their guests are heading for relegation. Nevertheless, this was a welcome boost, particularly for striker Lautaro Martinez, who ended a 12-game scoring drought with a hat-trick. Linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer, this is a chance for the Argentine to shine. 

Inter travel seeking to make history. Only one team has lost a Champions League knockout game by two goals at home and then gone on to qualify. Manchester United’s win over PSG in 2018-19 is the sole occasion this has happened in 41 previous instances. 

Two’s up for Liverpool 

History supports Liverpool’s case ahead of this game, with the Reds having won all three previous matches against Inter in the Champions League without conceding. Klopp’s side may not have been at their scintillating best in recent weeks, but they should be backed to win this game.

Although they are unlikely to throw everything at this game unless required to, Inter are likely to present them with chances. With this in mind, Liverpool should win – and there should also be plenty of action in the game.

Recommended bet

Liverpool / Over 2.5 goals @ 2.3