Prediction: Benfica vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Inter Milan draw no bet

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster

Simply looking to make another Champions League statement on Wednesday night, Inter Milan will travel to Lisbon when they meet Benfica.

Benfica

Starting with the hosts, while Benfica might have continued on a major domestic romp this season, the Eagles have struggled to find any kind of stability while on the European stage. Enduring what has been a public Champions League nightmare this year, the Portuguese heavyweights will know that they face another stern examination here. Last seen in Group D action getting hit with a routine 3-1 drumming at the hands of Spanish outfit Real Sociedad on November 8th, Roger Schmidt’s side have remarkably failed to collect a single point from any of their four European performances this season. Losing each of those four Champions League showdowns by an aggregate score of 7-1, Benfica should also be worried by their continued struggles against Wednesday’s guests. Including a 1-0 loss when they travelled to the San Siro back on October 3rd, Schmidt’s men have failed to win any of their five historic battles against Inter Milan.

Team News

Both dealing with respective injury issues on either side of November’s international break, Benfica will once again be without the duo of David Neres and former PSG star Juan Bernat on Wednesday night. However, making a welcomed return over the weekend, 22-year-old midfielder Orkun Kokcu could make a first start since the start of October.

Although former Fiorentina striker Arthur Cabral might have failed to notch a single strike while on either Champions League or Primeira Liga action this season, the 25-year-old should spearhead Schmidt’s attack here. Ex-Real Madrid superstar Angel Di Maria will have a leading role to play in Lisbon.

Inter Milan

As for the visitors, while Inter Milan have suffered major Champions League final heartbreak last season, the Italian giants certainly haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Firing on all cylinders and once again gaining a string of plaudits from across the continent, Simone Inzaghi’s side will simply be looking to make another European statement here. Already punching their knockout stage ticket after collecting 10 points from their first four Group D appearances, the former Lazio boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. In fact, along with mustering 19 points from their last seven contests across all competitions, it should also be noted that Inter Milan have not suffered a single defeat since way back on September 27th. Landing that 1-0 win when they welcomed Benfica to the San Siro last month, Inzaghi’s side will be looking to produce a repeat performance on Wednesday night.

Team News

Dealing with a recent knee injury, Inter Milan will travel to Lisbon without summer recruit and former Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard on Wednesday night. Likewise, sustaining an ankle blow during November’s international break, Inzaghi’s side are still sweating over the fitness of ex-Arsenal ace Alexis Sanchez here.

However, returning from an Achilles tendon injury over the weekend, former Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado could make a first of the season. Enjoying a record-breaking flurry this season and already notching a pair of Champions League strikes, Argentina international Lautaro Martinez will spearhead Inter’s attack on foreign soil.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Champions League showdown on October 3rd, Inter Milan picked up a 1-0 victory at the San Siro.
• Likewise, Inzaghi’s side are unbeaten in each of their five historic meetings against Benfica.
• The Italian heavyweights have not suffered a single defeat across any competition since back on September 27th.
• Benfica have lost each of their first four Champions League appearances this season by an aggregate score of 7-1.
• The Eagles have recorded just a trio of wins from their previous six appearances at the Estadio da Luz across all formats.

Conclusion

Already breezing their way to the knockout stage and collecting 10 points from their first four Group D appearances this season, Inter Milan will simply be looking to make another statement here. Likewise, collecting 19 points from their previous seven appearances across all competitions, Wednesday’s guests should be smelling another potential opportunity in midweek. Collecting a 1-0 victory when they welcomed Benfica to the San Siro for their reverse Champions League showdown on October 3rd, we are predicting an away draw no bet here.

Verdict: Inter Milan draw no bet

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster