Austrian champions, RB Salzburg, welcome last season's UEFA Champions League runners up to the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday. Inter narrowly beat Salzburg 2-1 when the sides met in match day three, with a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty separating them.
RB Salzburg
Considering Gerhard Struber's team are in a group with Real Sociedad, Inter and Benfica, they have held their own and boast very respectable statistics. With three matches played, Salzburg average a goal a game, whilst only conceding four. At this point, securing a position in the UEFA Europa League by finishing third would be a success, which means any point picked up will be vital. They do sit above Benfica on three points, after they beat the Portuguese side 2-0 in match day one.
To no surprise, Salzburg lead the Austrian Bundesliga after 13 matches, winning nine of those games. They have netted 29 times and conceded just eight, which is both the best attacking and defensive record in the division. Astonishingly, their only two defeats have occurred at the Red Bull Arena, with both games ending 1-0.
Inter Milan
Inter are unbeaten thus far in the Champions League, yet they sit in second place behind Real Sociedad on goal difference. Simone Inzhagi's team haven't exactly been free-flowing in attack, which has put them under pressure at times throughout the first three matches. This was highlighted in the 1-0 win over Benfica, where Inter accumulated 3.81 XG and missed seven big chances! Luckily, I Nerazzurri are extremely solid at the back, conceding just twice thus far.
In the Serie A, Inter have been completely dominant and they have earned a spot at the top of the table after 11 games. Inzhagi's side have won nine matches and only lost once. A handful of these victories include a 4-0 win over Fiorentina, a 5-1 victory in the Milan derby and the most recent 2-1 defeat of Atalanta. Lautaro Martinez has been on fire, netting 12 goals already, which is double the second highest scorers tally. Also, Inter boast the best attacking record, 2.45 goals on average per game, whilst conceding the joint lowest per match, 0.55.
Verdict?
RB Salzburg have become unstuck at home this season and Inter have won all of their last four matches. I Nerazzurri will want to take the top spot and they should have enough experience and quality to beat their Austrian opponent.
The final prediction is RB Salzburg 1-2 Inter Milan.
