THERE'S no margin for error as the Europa League enters sudden death and this clash between Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen is arguably the most intriguing of the quarter-finals.
Although played at a neutral venue, it's almost a home game for Leverkusen as the tie is being held in Dusseldorf. That might help Peter Bosz's men but Inter have experience of a one-leg shootout in Germany after their last-16 game with Getafe was played in Gelsenkirchen.
The Italian giants triumphed 2-0 but it wasn't a convincing victory, with the Spanish side missing a penalty that would have levelled the tie before Christian Eriksen scored Inter's killer second late on.
Leverkusen were far more comfortable in the second led of their tie with Rangers, easing to a 1-0 win (below) as two of my bets came up.
But they looked a bit rusty at times after a month's lay-off, with some slack moments at the back going unpunished by the Ibrox side.
If they make the same blunders against Inter it could signal the end of their Europa League adventure.
How the bookies view it
Inter Milan are favourites at a best 11/10 with Sportingbet while Bayer Leverkusen are as big as 13/5 with Betfred. The draw is 11/4 at Boylesports and I wouldn't rule that out although I expect the Italians to qualify.
Antonio Conte's men are 3/5 with Betway to go through and that's not great value so I'm betting on them finishing the job in normal time.
Form guide
Inter ended the Serie A season in style and head into this quarter-final on a nine-game unbeaten run. Six of those games ended in wins so they certainly have the momentum.
Thursday's clash with Rangers was Leverkusen's first game since a 4-2 German Cup Final defeat to Bayern Munich. They have lost four of their last 10 matches so need to get back into the groove.
Players to watch
Moussa Diaby was Leverkusen's match-winner against Rangers and the Frenchman was their biggest threat throughout. He looks overpriced at 4/1 by Paddy Power in the anytime scorer market if Bosz (below) starts him ahead of Leon Bailey again.
Lautaro Martinez has been linked with a big-money move away from Inter and the Argentina striker could help deliver the Europa League trophy before he goes. He's 19/10 with Betway to grab a goal here and that looks decent value.
Anything else catch the eye?
Our man Slips Tips cashed in by backing Getafe to pick up more booking points than Inter in midweek. Conte's side didn't pick up a single booking while Leverkusen collected three yellows against Rangers. So try backing the Germans to pick up the first card at 17/20 with William Hill.
Bayer Leverkusen looked suspect in the air defensively when I watched them in the Bundesliga and William Hill are offering 23/20 on a header being scored here.
This UEFA Europa League match between Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen will be played on Aug 10, 2020 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Inter Milan vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
