Europe Champions League Semifinals - 2nd Leg (16-17. May)

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Inter vs AC Milan Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Inter:
Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Dzeko

AC Milan:
Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Hernandez; Tonali, Pobega; Diaz, Krunic, Saelemaekers; Giroud

Inter and AC Milan will play the fifth and final Derby della Madonnina of the season, probably the most important one. Less than a week ago they played the first leg at San Siro in which Inter secured a 2:0 win. The Nerazzurri have big advantage and they are very close to the Champions League final. Inter made the perfect start when Edin Dzeko volleyed home in the 8th minute. It was his fourth goal in the competition this season and big award for coach Simone Inzaghi who decided to start with the Bosnian international instead of in-form Romelu Lukaku. Just three minutes later Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the second goal after being set up by Federico Dimarco. AC Milan could be satisfied with the result as Hakan Calhanoglu hit the woodwork, while the referee Jesus Gil Manzano reversed a decision to award the visitors a penalty, deeming Lautaro Martinez to have dived after consulting the VAR.

Both teams played during the weekend in domestic Serie A. Inter managed to win 4:2 against Sassuolo on Saturday. Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez and Sassuolo defender Ruan Tressoldi's own goal put the hosts three goals up after 58 minutes. When everybody thought the winner is decided, the visitors pulled two goals back and it was 3:2 with 13 minutes remained. However, Lukaku sealed the victory one minute from time. The Belgian once again showed he's in terrific form and coach Inzaghi now has "sweet" problems about the starting eleven. It remains to be seen whether he will select Dzeko or Lukaku as Lautaro's partner up front. Robin Gosens has recovered from a dislocated shoulder, but Federico Dimarco should continue after registering five assists from open play in the Champions League this season, more than any other player. Milan Skriniar will definitely miss out due to injury, while Joaquin Correa is rated a doubtful with a knock.

AC Milan are in poor form at the moment. They have just one win on the last five matches across all competitions and they are in mini-series of two defeats. I've already wrote about the Champions League failure against Inter last Wednesday, but it wasn't much different against Spezia on Saturday. The Rossonerri lost 2:0 at Stadio Picco and the defeat left them four points adrift of Italy's top four with just three games to play. It is true that Pioli rested some of his key players, but that should not be an excuse. The poor form is a huge problem for Pioli, but not the only one. Key player Rafael Leao is struggling with injury and missed the trip to Spezia. The Portugal international will be assess on the day of the match. Alexis Saelemaekers is ready to deputize if he fails to pass a fitness test. Olivier Giroud should lead the line meaning Divock Origi will drop to the bench. Finally, the captain Davide Calabria is expected to start at right-back.

Inter vs AC Milan Prediction:

Inter have outplayed AC Milan in the first match. The Nerazzurri scored twice, but the victory could easily be higher. Milan completely failed on the first match and most of the fans left San Siro heavily disappointed. Looking at the Champions League history, only one club have lost the first leg of a semifinal by two or more goals and then went on to go through - Liverpool's memorable comeback against Barcelona in 2019. So, Milan are still in the game, and they have just one option - to attack. Inter will have a lot of space for counterattacks, so I expect an open match with goals on both sides.

Inter vs AC Milan Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.93 with Pinnacle

 

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Manchester City vs Real Madrid Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester City:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland

Real Madrid:
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Kroos, Camavinga, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Junior

Manchester City welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium in the semifinal of UEFA Champions League. As You probably know, the first match at Bernabue last week finished with an 1:1 draw. The Citizens dominated the early stages of the match, with Courtois denying De Bruyne, Rodri and Erling Haaland twice. However, Vinicius Junior scored with Real's only chance of the first half, in the 36th minute following a brilliant run by Eduardo Camavinga. Just as Ancelotti's men began to dominate a period of the second half, Manchester City found a way back with De Bruyne fizzing a shot from a similar distance into the bottom corner. It was his 14th Champions League goal. Most of them (11) were scored in the knock-out phase.

Manchester City are in excellent form at the moment. They are unbeaten in 22 games across all competitions, a run which includes 18 victories. Few more could mean a Treble. But the Champions League trophy is something most wanted. The fans, the Arab owners, the players, Guardiola himself - they are dreaming about that. At the moment, just two games separates Manchester City from European glory. They just need to beat Real, who are third in La Liga, at home and then Serie A opposition in the final in Istanbul. Pep has the majority of his players available, but Nathan Ake is rated as doubtful with a hamstring injury sustained against Leeds United earlier this month. He sat out the last two matches and the Dutchman is still uncertain. De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and John Stones were all rested during the weekend and should be recalled to the starting lineup.

This is not the best season for Real Madrid. Their biggest rivals Barcelona won the domestic title during the weekend. To be worse, Los Blancos travel to England without any advantage from the first leg. Nevertheless, Real Madrid should not be underestimated, particularly not in the Champions League. There is some connection (some experts are joking there is a cosmic energy) between Real and this competition. They are not 14-time European winners by accident. So, Ancelotti and his players will not give up easily. Similarly to City, Real Madrid have also the one injury worry. Eduardo Camavinga is rated as doubtful after limping off in the finish of the match against Getafe. According to the latest news, the injury isn't serious and Camavinga should be ready in time for this match.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid Prediction:

Manchester City are favorites in this match. They play at home and they are in fantastic form. And most important - they will stay focused until the last whistle. Last season Real created one of the biggest come backs in the history. Los Blancos were two goals behind City on aggregate going into the 90th minute at Bernabeu, but Rodrygo, who entered the match as substitute, scored two stoppage-time goals. The game went to extra-time and Benzema took advantage from the opponents' confusion to score the decisive goal. Real eventually won the competition as they beat Liverpool in Paris. It is clear this will be an interesting clash in which I expect goals from both sides.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.68 with Pinnacle

 

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I agree with pick both teams to score
It can be repeated, as both teams have excellent attacking lines and can score a goal.

Good luck