After winning the Eredivisie title for a first time in 45 years Twente’s dream is growing bigger, when they have to face Italian champion Inter at home tomorrow.
Inter, now with a new coach,Rafa Benitez, after “the special one” left for Real Madrid, has to show that they can keep on winning, and perhaps win this year’s Champions league again.
However, under Benitez’s lead Inter, was able to win so far only 3 games, two of which were friendlies, and the last victory was on Saturday, against the team of Udinese, where Inter, met a bit of a challenge as well.
Possible injury problems for Inter, where Cristian Chivu limped out of the Udinese win and there’s a chance he will miss this game. Dejan Stankovic and Thiago Motta are also injured, while Maicon might recover from a knock, but it’s still not a 100%.
Inter also lacks of extra strikers since they are left only with Diego Milito and Samuel (Eto’o), but Benitez shows no worries and says they are enough to do the job. I wonder if he will think that if any of them gets injured?
After 2 rounds in Italy, Inter has got 4 points, with 1 victory and 1 draw. Twente on the other hand, is unbeaten since a friendly on July 7th with Getafe, and has beaten Ajax for the Super Cup of Holland. They have played 5 rounds so far, tying the first two games 0:0, and winning the last 3, with 3:0, 4:0, 2:1.
The team is in a wonderful shape, and they have high hopes for the game on Tuesday. Midfielder Wout Brama says “The most important thing is not to approach this match like it’s a little bonus. It’s the UEFA Champions League and we’re the Dutch champions. We have to show that.”
The Betting Verdict?
Despite all predictions around the internet, and the public opinion, I doubt very much that Inter will win this game. First half of their defense is injured and missing and second, they team is nowhere near the shape they were when they have won the final and last but not least, the manager, while I think highly of Mourinho, I can’t say the same about Benitez.
Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.77 (Register at Betfair.com – 25£ Sign up Bonus): As a first game from the group stage, it’s normal if both teams think about not getting a goal more than scoring one. Usually the first games aren’t filled with exciting situations and goal opportunities, but they are more about getting to know your opponent.
If you are a risk taker, go with a win for Twente, their odds are great, 4.70 , and the chances are 50% / 50% the was I see it.
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