Group A
Internazionale v Newcastle
A draw could see Newcastle qualify, but only if they beat Barcelona and Leverkusen overturn Inter in the final games.
Inter are without striker Alvra Recoba due to suspension. With Gabriel Batistuta ineligible and Herman Crespo injured, coach Hector Cuper is likely to play Turkish midfielder, Emre Belozoglu just behind Christian Vieri.
Central defender Marco Materazzi has a thigh injury and should be replaced by Ivan Cordoba. Critiano Zanetti is doubtful with a sore hamstring and is added to a long casualty list that also includes Daniele Adani, Matias Almeyda, Domenico Morfeo, Stephane Delmat, Mohammed Kallon and Nicola Beati.
Despite their injury concerns, Cuper remains confident, but admitted: “Alot rests on this game and we are expecting a very tough battle.”
Newcastle welcome back Craig Bellamy after his three match ban following dismissal in the corresponding fixture at St James Park, which Inter won 4-1.
Alan Shearer also received a suspension in that match and Fabio Cannavaro admitted looking for a repeat performance.
He said: “I’ll do anything in my power to helpus win. And if it means helping Newcastle get reduced to 10 men, then that’s what I’ll do.”
Shay Given should play despite a dislocated finger, although Steve Harper and Adam Bartlett have been added to the squad as cover.
Nolberto Solana and Hugo Viana have both recovered from illness and are available. As is Gary speed who has shaken off an ankle injury. With Jonathan Woodgate ineligible, Andy O’Brien is expected to play alongside Titus Bramble at the back.
Probable teams
: Toldo, J Zanetti, Cannavaro, Cordoba, Coco, Buruk, Di Biagio, Guglielminpietro, Conceicao, Emre, Vieri.
Newcastle: Given, Hughes, Bernard, Bramble, O’Brien, Speed, Dyer, Robert, Jenas, Shearer, Bellamy.
Barcelona v Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen’s coach, Thomas Hoerster said he would rather not be playing this game, but would prefer to concentrate on fighting relegation from the Bundersliga.
“We have to lift ourselves in the league and the rest doesn’t matter,” he said.
However Barca coach, Raddy Antic, is missing Luis Enrique, who will be out for six weeks after tearing a leg muscle at the weekend, in addition to Carlos Puyol, Phillip Cocu, and Dani Garcia.
Thiago Motta is doubtful with a suspected groin strain and if he fails a late fitness test, Gaizka Mendieta will replace him in midfield. Playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme should play and defender Patrik Anderson could make his first start for over a year.
Leverkusen absentees are midfielder Carsten Ramelow (heel) and Oliver Neuville (back), while Brazilian defender Juan is rested.
Probable teams
: Bonano, Gabri, De Boer, Andersson, Reiziger, Mendieta, Xavi, Overmars, Riquelme, Kluivert, Saviola.
Bayer Leverkusen: Butt, Balitsch, Zivkovic, Cris, Ojigwe, Schneider, Kaluzny, Basturk, Bierofka, Franca, Berbatov.
