Preview: Wolfsburg vs. Inter Milan

As far as the Europa League is concerned, Wolfsburg are the lone bearers of the German flag.

Dieter Hecking's men are the only Bundesliga club that remain in the competition, while their opponents Inter Milan are one of five Italian outfits to have reached the last 16.

If Wolfsburg are to make it into the quarter-finals, they will have to overcome a negative record against Serie A teams.

Of their three previous meetings, Die Wolfe have lost twice and claimed a 2-2 draw against Inter's city rivals AC Milan.

Striker Aaron Hunt will play no part in Thursday's opening leg at the Volkswagen Arena due a knee injury, but the in-form Bas Dost is available and is expected to lead the attack.

The Dutchman has already scored 13 goals in 2015 - a haul which includes a Europa League brace during the recent clash with Sporting Lisbon.

Midfielder Maximilian Arnold is doubtful with a back complaint, while former Chelsea duo Kevin de Bruyne and Andre Schurrle should both feature from the beginning.

As for visiting head coach Roberto Mancini, he only has one major injury concern. Full-back Yuto Nagatomo is struggling with a thigh problem, which is likely to keep him sidelined.

Inter, who have drawn their last three away European matches, have recorded five victories from their 16 trips to Germany. One of those was a famous 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in 2011, when Goran Pandev netted the important fifth goal.

Wolfsburg:

Form in Europa League: WWLWWD Form in all competitions: WWDWWL

Possible starting lineup: Benaglio; Trasch, Naldo, Knoche, Rodriguez; Gustavo, Guilavogui; Vieirinha, De Bruyne, Schurrle; Dost

Inter:

Form in Europa League: DDWDDW Form in all competitions: WDWWLD

Possible starting lineup: Handanovic; Santon, Ranocchia, Juan, D'Ambrosio; Guarin, Medel, Shaqiri, Kovacic; Palacio, Icardi

Sports Mole says: 1-1