Inter Milan will travel to Moldova to take on Champions League surprise package Sheriff Tiraspol in the fourth game of the 2021/22 UCL.
Venue: Stadionul Sheriff (Tiraspol)
Key Statistics
Sheriff have won their last eleven home games.
They have not conceded a goal in eight home games in all competitions.
Overall, they have lost just one of their last ten games in all competitions (W8, D1).
Inter Milan are unbeaten in their last four games.
They have lost just one of their last five away games.
Head to head
The first leg of this fixture is the first time both teams have met in history. Inter won that game 3-1.
Latest Performances in all competitions
Sherrif: W-W-W-L-W
Inter Milan: W-W-D-W-L
Sheriff Tiraspol
Sheriff have taken the Champions League by storm this year, beating the likes of Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk to top their group.
The Moldovan side are an unknown quantity in the UCL this year but have outperformed more regular teams to keep themselves within in an excellent position to reach of the next round.
They head into this game on a good run of form, having won 12 of their last 15 games in all competitions (D2). At home, they are even better and are entering this tie on an eleven-game-winning run at home.
Their record at home has been built by a tight defence that has not conceded a goal in eight consecutive home games.
Such a good record will give them confidence going into this game.
Meanwhile, Lovro Bizjak remains the only injury absentee for the hosts.
Possible Sheriff starting line-ups
Giorgos Athanasiadis; Fernando Costanza, Danilo Arboleda, Gustavo Dulanto, Cristiano; Edmund Addo, Sebastien Thill; Adama Traore, Dimitrios Kolovos, Bruno; Frank Castañeda
Inter Milan
Unlike their hosts, Inter Milan began this season’s Champions League with a whimper, losing to Real Madrid in their opening game, before drawing with Shakhtar Donetsk.
But their first win eventually came against Sheriff who they beat 3-1. The win gave them a fighting chance in this group and ensured that they are not rock bottom.
The San Siro side head into this tie with back-to-back wins in Serie A. However, securing their third win on the bounce may be necessary if they are to have any chance of progressing to the last 16 for the first time since 2011/12.
Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi has no injury worries at this time.
Possible Inter Milan starting line-ups
Samir Handanovic; Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Marcelo Brozovic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Ivan Perisic; Joaquin Correa, Edin Dzeko.
Prediction
Sheriff have proven that they cannot be underestimated despite their relatively small size. The Moldovan side are punching beyond their weight and will want to pull off another upset. However, Inter Milan will be motivated and desperate to avoid embarrassment.
As a result, one can expect this to be an entertaining tie.
