The Champions League group stage reaches its gripping conclusion this week, with some teams still needing vital points to progress through to the knockout rounds. Liverpool, last season’s winners, still haven’t made sure of their place in the next round, while Inter Milan are also in need of a win to secure their place in the competition after the New Year.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Liverpool
The reigning European champions will head to Austria knowing that only a win would ensure their passage through to the next round. A point from the game would mean that the Reds may need to settle for second place, which could possibly mean a harder tie in the next round of the competition. Salzburg’s form has been consistent throughout the season, and they will make sure Liverpool work hard for the win.
The Reds have lost once in this competition this season, which is their only defeat in all competitions this season. The point that they managed to get in their last game against Napoli ensured that they remained unbeaten since that night in Naples. Goal difference will be crucial in this group, and Salzburg currently holds a three-goal advantage on that front.
In Erlin Braut Håland, Salzburg have one of the most prolific young strikers in world football. He has scored eight goals in this season’s competition, which is bettered only by Robert Lewandowski.
The two sides have only met on one previous occasion, and that was the 4-3 win for Liverpool in October. That thrilling fixture should convince fans that there will be plenty of goals in this game. A good pick for punters for this fixture will be "over 2.5 goals".
Inter Milan vs Barcelona
Group F is one of the most finely poised groups in the Champions League. Barcelona have already ensured their passage through to the next round as group winners following their win against Borussia Dortmund last time out. That win means that the second place is between the German side and Inter Milan.
The Serie A league leaders have been inconsistent in the Champions League this season, as they have been unable to replicate their domestic form in the competition. The group-deciding moment could have come in their game against Dortmund. They led that game 2-0 at the break, but eventually went on to lose the game in a pulsating second half.
Barcelona haven’t lost a game in the competition this season, while Inter Milan have been beaten on two occasions. Barcelona may play a weakened side with their qualification ensured, which could give Inter a better chance of securing the win.
This will be the third time that these two sides have come up against each other in the past year. Barcelona have won on two occasions, and there has been one draw. There have been an average of 2.33 goals scored per game during this time. However, Inter will need to register their first win against Barcelona to realistically go through as Dortmund face Slavia Prague. Punters wouldn’t fancy their chance, however, as the Catalonian side should still get the win.
