FC Twente are not a traditional powerhouse in the Netherlands but they have been a rising force in recent times. In 2009-10 under the guidance of former England coach Steve McClaren the Tukkers won the Eredivisie title for the first time in their 45-year history.
Twente will make their much anticipated debut in the Champions League on Tuesday when they take on Italian and European champions Inter at De Grolsch Veste. This is indeed a mismatch given the Nerazzurri's history and squad members but midfielder Wout Brama is confident of an upset at home.
"I'm looking ahead with a lot of excitement," the 24-year-old told Uefa.com. "It'll be hard but we have a chance. We always create chances at home. The most important thing is not to approach this match like it's a little bonus. It's the UEFA Champions League and we're the Dutch champions. We have to show that."
Starting All Over Again
It is taken for granted that one cannot win back-to-back Champions League trophies but Italian giants Inter will be looking to prove that notion wrong. Under Jose Mourinho the Beneamata accomplished a marvellous treble last season and defeated English champions Chelsea, Spanish champions Barcelona and German champions Bayern Munich on their way to conquering Europe.
However, with the departure of coach Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid in the summer, there has been doubt on whether the Nerazzurri can regroup under Rafael Benitez, who departed from Liverpool to take charge of Inter. Their comprehensive defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup combined with their less than impressive start to the new Serie A season in which they have taken four points out of two games has put Inter's credentials under doubt.
Nevertheless, Inter remain one of the strongest sides in Europe and in spite of losing striker Mario Balotelli to Manchester City will be expected to win Group A.
TEAM NEWS
Twente
Coach Michel Preud'homme is unlikely to field a 4-4-2 formation and could go with a 4-3-3 system. Midfielder Denny Landzaat could make the cut instead of forward Luuk de Jong.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Mihaylov, Roasles, Wisgerhof, Douglas, Tiendalli; Janssen, Brama, Landzaat; Ruiz, Janko, Chadli
Inter
Maicon is expected to return to the starting line-up after sitting out Saturday's game against Udinese because of a knock. Julio Cesar will be in goal while Javier Zanetti could be played in central midfield alongside Esteban Cambiasso instead at left-back, where Cristian Chivu is expected to start even though he was substituted at the weekend. However, Thiago Motta is out and Dejan Stankovic is struggling with an injury.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Cambiasso, Zanetti; Pandev, Sneijder, Eto'o; Milito
Prediction
Inter go into this match as favourites but the Beneamata must make sure that they remain solid at the back. A win for the Italian champions looks the most probable outcome but Twente may just eke out a draw.
Twente 1-1 Inter Milan 
