Barcelona take on Inter Milan without their talisman Lionel Messi after the Argentine fractured his arm against Sevilla on Saturday.
Barce currently lead Group B ahead of Inter on goal difference, and these two teams look set to battle it out for top spot.
Messi’s absence means the emphasis will be on Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho to bring goals for the hosts, days before the first clasico of the season. Follow it live:
- Jack Watson
- 24 October 2018 18:57
- Jack Watson
- 24 October 2018 18:53
Ancelotti better prepared for PSG return
Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti is in a much better frame of mind than on his last trip to Paris St Germain when a 3-0 defeat led to him being sacked as Bayern Munich coach just over a year ago.
The 59-year-old was fired the day after that defeat, having had only one full season in charge, and told reporters on Tuesday that he felt before that game that only half the team had faith in him.
“Many things have changed since then, PSG have changed coach for example, whereas at Munich the problems have still not been resolved,” he said.
“My mood has changed a lot. Last year when I came here, I felt I had the trust of only four or five players, now I feel I have the confidence of all the players and everyone around the team. That has changed my frame of mind completely.”
Ancelotti was appointed my Napoli in May, returning to Italian football after a nine-year absence. During that time, he spent two seasons at PSG, winning one Ligue 1 title.
“I have good memories of my time here, I improved my knowledge,” he said.
Napoli lead Group C with four points from two games, one ahead of Liverpool and PSG before Wednesday’s games.
Reuters
- Jack Watson
- 24 October 2018 17:09
Injury rules Lionel Messi out of El Clasico and crucial Champions League ties
- Jack Watson
- 24 October 2018 16:35
How to watch on TV and online stream?
The match will be shown on BT Sport ESPN and will be covered on the BT Sport Goals Show. You can watch it online on the BT Sport website and app.
What time does it start?
Barcelona vs Inter Milan kicks off at 8pm BST. We will have line-ups and team news from 7pm.
What are the odds?
Barcelona 8/15
Draw 7/2
Inter 5/1
Prediction
Barca to head into the clasico with a spring in their step, winning 2-1.
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