Champions League Team news and prediction: Real Madrid vs Inter

Both Real Madrid and Inter head into gameweek three of the Champions League with it all to do but this is certainly one of, if not the most, eye-catching fixture in midweek.

It's been a mixed start to the campaign for both managers and they could really do with a result on Tuesday night.  

In the build-up to such a pivotal fixture, we have all your need-to-know match information in one place. Including team news, probable XIs, where the game is taking place and where you can watch it.

When is kick off?
Tuesday 3rd November, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Bernabeu, Madrid
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport ESPN 

Group Stage So Far

Real Madrid have made a dreadful start to the season in Europe with only one point from their opening two games. Zinedine Zidane's side have been painfully slow starters in their two games, going 3-0 down at home to Shakhtat Donetsk before half-time and 2-0 down away to Gladbach within an hour. They rallied back each time but only managed a 3-2 defeat to Shakhtar and 2-2 draw with Gladbach. They are bottom of Group B.

Inter haven't fared much better themselves. Antonio Conte's side opened up with 2-2 draw at home to Gladbach, requiring a stoppage time equaliser to salvage a point, before being held to a goalless draw away to Shakhtar Donetsk last time out.

Team News

Real Madrid head into Tuesday's meeting with Inter without a recognised right-back with Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola and Nacho all injured, Lucas Vazquez a major doubt and Eder Militao unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19. It means Ferland Mendy will more than likely have to switch from left-back to right-back for the Spanish giants. Zinedine Zidane can at least call on Eden Hazard in attack now he is back to full fitness.

Inter have been served a crushing blow with news Romelu Lukaku is out injured. With Alexis Sanchez also sidelined, Antonio Conte is short in attack and may have to field winger Ivan Perisic through the middle alongside former Barcelona target Lautaro Martinez. Ex-Real Madrid right-back Achraf Hakimi will get the chance to face his former team, while former Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal should also line up in midfield. Milan Skriniar is in the squad after recovering from COVID-19 but is not expected to feature unless injuries occur.

Probable XIs

Real Madrid (433): Courtois; Mendy, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Benzema, Hazard

Inter (352): Handanovic; D'Ambrosio, De Vrij, Kolarov; Hakimi, Barella, Brozovic, Vidal, Young; Martinez, Perisic

Key Battle: Ferland Mendy vs Achraf Hakimi

Eyebrows were raised when Real Madrid made the decision to sell Achraf Hakimi in the summer following two stunning years on loan with Borussia Dortmund. It looks even more of a rash decision now Madrid will welcome Hakimi back to the Bernabeu without a right-back to call on. Zinedine Zidane will instead have to field Ferland Mendy on the right hand side of his defence.

With Marcelo likely to be pinned back by Hakimi down Madrid's left, it will be up to Mendy to provide support to their front three. Out of position, this is a big ask of Mendy but he will need to get up and down their right touchline to probably overlapping runs with Marco Asensio. While Hakimi has played a direct hand in three goals in seven league and European appearances this season, Mendy has not yet been involved in a goal for Madrid this term. However, without Romelu Lukaku up front for Inter, Hakimi may struggle picking out a team-mate with his dangerous crosses. It promises to be a thoroughly interesting battle of the full-backs for different reasons.

Prediction: Madrid 1-0 Inter