Betting Tips: Barcelona vs Inter Milan

With the Spanish champions missing talisman Lionel Messi, we think there could be late drama at Camp Nou when the Italians visit this week

Barclona play their third match in this season's Champions League on Wednesday evening and the Blaugrana are preparing for the game against Inter Milan without Lionel Messi.

The Barca captain fractured his elbow at the weekend against Sevilla and his absence is naturally a big blow for the Spanish champions.

Inter, meanwhile, head the Camp Nou on a run of seven successive wins in all competitions, the most recent of which came on Sunday night in the derby against Milan.

Barca have not lost a home game in the group stages of the Champions League since October 2009. bet365 offer the hosts at 8/15 (1.53) for the win, while Inter are priced at 11/2 (6.50) and the draw is offered at 7/2 (4.50).

With Messi missing, Ousmane Dembele is likely to come into a front three alongside Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez. Centre-back Samuel Umititi is also out with Clement Lenglet set to continue alongside Gerard Pique in the heart of defence.

Inter will be missing midfielder Radja Nainggolan after he picked up an ankle problem in the win over Milan. Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic also picked up knocks in that game and it remains to see whether they will be fully fit.

Inter's derby victory on Sunday came with another late goal and during their run of seven straight wins, Luciano Spalleti's side have claimed victory in injury time on three occasions.

Two further wins have been achieved via winners in the 77th and 78th minutes and the Nerrazzuri have been grinding out results even when they have not been at their best.

Barca's matches have also seen plenty of late goals, and with Messi out injured there is more chance of closer game and therefore drama towards the end.

The price of 5/6 (1.83) for a goal to be scored after the 77th minute appeals, given how regularly it has been paying out in both these sides' games.

This selection has proved profitable in eight of Inter's last nine matches, as well as in five of the six matches that Barcelona have played at Camp Nou this season.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.