Inter – Bayern Munich

One of the most interesting fixtures of the first round is expected to be won by the German champions

In one of the most interesting clashes in the first leg of the Champions League group stage, Italy's vice-champion and Germany's champion will clash. Bookmakers prior to the kick-off consider Bayern to be the fourth-ranked title contenders in the current draw, favouring Manchester City, PSG and Liverpool ahead of them. Given that Inter are in the same group as not only Bayern but also Barcelona, the Italian club's chances of making the play-offs are quoted lower than their chances of finishing in 3rd or 4th place. In the list of contenders for the title, the Italian vice-champion is twelfth at odds of 50. In the upcoming encounter, bookmakers have given roughly equal odds that the visitors will win and the hosts will get at least one point. Inter brought back Romelu Lukaku, signed Correa from Lazio, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Andre Onan on a free transfer in the off-season. A number of veteran players who have been influential in the team's performance for years have left the club: Perisic, Alexis Sanchez, Vesino, Arturo Vidal and Ranocchia. The result of the transfer campaign leaves a lot to be desired. Within five Serie A matches played, Inter have lost both to serious contenders: Lazio 1-2 and AC Milan 2-3. The club from Munich sent Lewandowski to Barcelona, kept Zule and Tolisso and sold a number of players during the off-season. In return, the German champions signed Sadio Mane from Liverpool, De Ligt from Juventus and "robbed" Ajax of Mazraoui and Gravenberch. The team started the championship with three wins with a total score of 15-1, but then made two misfires, playing with the same score of 1-1 against Borussia Gladbach and Union Berlin. There is no way Bayern can underestimate their opponent in Milan. Particularly interesting for Julian Nagelsmann's side will again be the defence of the Italian vice-champion, who have not conceded a single goal in the new season except against Spezia.