Prediction: Real Sociedad vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to lay down an early marker when they open their Champions League adventure on Wednesday night, Inter Milan will travel to the Anoeta Stadium when they meet Real Sociedad.

Real Sociedad

Starting with the hosts, while Real Sociedad might have gained a string of praise last season as they punched a lucrative top-four return, Imanol Alguacil’s side are seeking some much-needed stability this time around. Failing to pick up any kind of momentum on their return from September’s international break over the weekend as they suffered a 2-1 defeat away at Real Madrid, the Basque-based outfit have recorded just a single La Liga victory from their opening five appearances this time around. Opening the 2023/24 campaign with three stalemates on the spin, Alguacil will have an extended headache over his side’s defensive issues. Despite heading into the fortnight interval with an action-packed 5-3 victory at home against Granada, Real Sociedad have recorded just a pair of La Liga clean sheets from their previous 10 attempts – a run that stems back to May 2nd.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance since making the move from German outfit RB Leipzig this summer, Sociedad will once again be without 27-year-old Andre Silva on Wednesday night. The Portuguese international will be joined on the sidelines by Martin Merquelanz who is still dealing with a long-term knee injury.

While attacking talisman Mikel Oyarzabal might still be waiting to open his account this season, the Spanish international will spearhead Alguacil’s charge here. Making a season-long loan switch from Arsenal this summer, Kieran Tierney will be hoping to keep his starting spot at left-back.

Inter Milan

As for the visitors, while Inter Milan might have suffered Champions League final heartbreak back on June 10th as they suffered that 1-0 loss at the hands of Manchester City, the Italian giants certainly aren’t showing any signs of a hangover, Laying down what was a remarkable marker over the weekend as they cruised their way to a 5-1 romp in the Derby della Madonnina, there is no doubt that the mood in Simone Inzaghi’s camp remains at a red-hot high. In fact, heading into September’s international break with a stellar 4-0 victory at home against Fiorentina, the Nerazzurri have won each of their opening four Serie A showdowns by an aggregate score of 13-1. Really enjoying quite the free-scoring flurry in the final third, the one-time Lazio boss will be calling on his squad to lay down an early marker on Wednesday night.

Team News

Already notching five strikes in his opening four Serie A appearances this season, attacking talisman Lautaro Martinez will spearhead Inter’s charge on Wednesday night. Likewise, also notching back-to-back domestic strikes on either side of September’s international break, French international Marcus Thuram will partner Martinez in the final third.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench over the weekend after completing a €30million switch from Bayern Munich this summer, Benjamin Pavard will be hoping to make his full Inter Milan debut at the Anoeta Stadium.

Key Factors to Consider

• Storming their way to a 5-1 romp in the Derby della Madonnina over the weekend, Inter Milan have won each of their opening four Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 13-1.
• Lautaro Martinez has notched five strikes in his opening four domestic appearances so far this season.
• Including a 2-1 loss against Real Madrid a few days ago, Real Sociedad have claimed just one win from their first five La Liga appearances.
• Likewise, continuing on from last season, Wednesday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from their last 10 top-flight matchups.
• Nine of Sociedad’s last 10 competitive showdowns at the Anoeta Stadium have finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

Putting in a remarkable performance over the weekend as they claimed Milan bragging rights following that famous 5-1 romp, Inter are certainly riding an extended wave of momentum. Despite suffering Champions League final heartbreak at the hands of Manchester City back on June 10th, the Italian heavyweights have come roaring back. Winning each of their opening four Serie A appearances by an aggregate score of 13-1, Wednesday’s guests have found a major free-scoring touch. Looking to cash in on a Sociedad squad that have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous 10 appearances, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable Champions League opener in midweek.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Luckster