Champions League Group B preview: Inter aim to put Serie A woes behind them

Inter Milan will be looking to build on their good form in the Champions League when they host Lille on Wednesday.

The Serie A giants have had a tumultuous league campaign, struggling in 17th place with just two wins from their opening nine outings.

But their form in Europe has been solid, sitting top of Group B after consecutive wins, including a 1-0 victory at Lille on October 18.

Inter held out after Giampaolo Pazzini gave them a 21st-minute lead, and they will close in on progress to the round of 16 with a win at the San Siro.

Claudio Ranieri will be without defender Maicon, who picked up a thigh injury in their 2-1 loss to Juventus on Saturday.

The Brazilian has been one of the better performers this campaign, but Ranieri will be confident of overcoming Lille despite his absence, particularly at home.

In contrast to Inter, Lille have enjoyed a fine start to Ligue 1, but have struggled in the Champions League.

They are winless and bottom of the group, while they sit third in the league – behind Paris-Saint Germain and Montpellier.

Goals have been hard to come by for Rudi Garcia’s men, with Senegalese striker Moussa Sow their best with just three goals in his last nine outings.

Lille desperately need maximum points if they are to keep their hopes of advancing to the round of 16 alive.

In the other game, CSKA Moscow travel to Turkey to take on Trabzonspor.

The Russian outfit has been in excellent form recently, unbeaten in their last five outings, with three of those victories.

They have scored at will since the comfortable 3-0 win over Trabzonspor on October 18, netting nine goals in two matches.

Seydou Doumbia and Vagner Love have been vital in that run, although the latter was sent off in the 4-0 league win over Spartak Nalchik on Friday.

In his last three matches, Doumbia has struck a remarkable eight goals.

Meanwhile, Trabzonspor have gone three matches unbeaten since losing to CSKA and will be hoping they can capitalise on their home advantage this time around.