Inter boss Simone Inzaghi expects a ‘physical battle’ against Udinese in the early kick-off and explains his squad rotation approach.
It kicks off at the Dacia Arena at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).
The Nerazzurri go into this game one point behind their opponents, so the pressure is on to get the victory.
“It’s going to be a very physical battle, as Udinese have physicality, technique and are in great form, so we need a strong performance,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Squad rotation becomes more important than ever with the compressed fixture list leading up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“We coaches are always judged on results, it’s natural we have to make continual choices and need all the players. I will pick the best XI game by game to get the result, realising those who come off the bench will be just as important as those the players who start.”
Francesco Acerbi only made his Inter debut in the Champions League on Tuesday and is now in the starting XI again, while Mkhitaryan is preferred to Roberto Gagliardini in midfield.
“We played on Tuesday, it is now Sunday, so it’s a good rest compared to the 48 hours we had between Torino and the Czech Republic. We’re without Lukaku and Calhanoglu, who we hope to have back after the break for international duty.”