Reigning European champions Inter travel to the Gelsenkirchen to take on Schalke 04 in their first leg of the Champions League quarter finals, and will hope to emulate their victory in Germany against Bayern Munich in the last round. Schalke have been struggling domestically but have shone in Europe, and will need to take an advantage from the first leg at home before travelling to the San Siro.
Schalke currently sit in 10th place in the Bundesliga and the team’s poor performance domestically has meant that Felix Magath has been sacked in the lead up to the game, and replaced by Ralf Rangnick. Die Knappen beat Valencia in the last round, and have counted on the sharpshooting of veteran Spanish striker Raul in the competition. Other key men in the home side are goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer, who has been linked with moves to Bayern and Manchester United, and attacking duo Jefferson Farfan and Klass Jan Huntelaar.
Inter have been rejuvenated by new coach Leonardo, who replaced Rafa Benitez half way through the season and has inspired the Nerazzurri to improved performances at home and in Europe. The Italian side came back from a 1-0 home defeat in the last round to beat Bayern 3-2 and go through on away goals. Inter sit second in Serie A and have a crucial top of the table clash with leaders and bitter rivals Milan on Saturday to think about before their trip to Germany. Veteran striker Diego Milito should be back from injury in time to feature if selected, but Christian Chivu is a doubt. more Champions League betting at bwin.
Inter will be favorites for the tie, but will face a tough test in the first leg; look at a score draw for this one – 2-2
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Tags: betting odds, Diego Milito, Football Betting, Football Odds, Inter, Inter odds, Inter vs Schalke, Manuel Neuer, Raul, Schalke, Schalke odds
