UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Benfica predicted lineup vs Inter Milan
Contents
Benfica are in Milan for their second Champions League group game, hoping to bounce back after a surprise defeat to Red Bull Salzburg. The Eagles are soaring after a 1-0 clásico victory over Porto, Ángel Di Maria scored the winning goal.
However, the Argentinian ace has never scored in San Siro, can the 35 year old finally break his duck?
Benfica vs Inter Milan Champions League team news
There were a couple of surprises in the travelling squad, as two players who were thought to be injured made the trip to Italy. Another was also on the plane despite being suspended, the 19-year-old defender Antonio Silva who was sent off against Salzburg.
Wolves winger Gonçalo Guedes, currently at Benfica on loan, has only played 34 minutes so far this season because of injury. However, he trained in the San Siro ahead of this Group D clash alongside left back Juan Bernat, who has yet to play since joining from PSG.
Petar Musa has thrived in his leading role, following the departure of Gonçalo Ramos, and will be looking to test Inter Milan’s back line again. The Croatian forward already has four goals in eight games this season, he scored the last time these two sides met in April.
Benfica predicted lineup – 4-2-3-1
Trubin – Bah, Otamendi, Morato, Aursnes – Neves, Kökçü – Neres, Rafa, Di Maria – Musa
Benfica predicted lineup vs Inter Milan – Our top three
Angel Di Maria – El Fideo in fine form
The Champions League winner has made an excellent start in his return to Portugal, scoring six goals in eight games for the club. However, the Rosario-born wide player has never managed to score in the San Siro before. A certainty to start, this will be the fourth time on the field at Italy’s largest stadium, but on the previous three occasions he failed to find the net.
He lost against AC Milan with Benfica in the 2007/08 Champions League, and provided an assist in a 2-2 draw against the Rossoneri when representing Real Madrid in 2010. His only previous encounter with Inter Milan in the iconic stadium, was a 1-0 defeat in the Italian Cup with Juventus.
Nicolas Otamendi – can he stop Inter’s finest?
It will be a big night for the former Manchester City man, who has come up against the Belgian striker on eight previous occasions. Inter Milan’s front man has scored in games against Otamendi three times, all for Everton against Manchester City.
There is no doubt that the Argentinian veteran will be marking the former Premier League star at corners and set pieces, while young Brazilian Morat0 is likely to cover runs behind.
David Neres – Brazilian must make minutes count
The Brazilian winger has started the last two league games as he aims to secure a starting spot with the Portuguese champions. Neres, now 26 years old, was an important part of this title-winning side but has faced added competition with the arrival of Ángel di Maria from Juventus.
Benfica predicted lineup vs Inter Milan – The Final Word
This is a pivotal game for the Portuguese club, a defeat to Inter Milan here would leave them with a mountain to climb to make the next round. The previous clash in April was a six-goal thriller, but we are likely to see a more cagey affair. Inter Milan have been excellent in Serie A but also failed to win their opening group game.
If the “old-timer” Otamendi shuts out the young bull Lautaro Martínez, and if Di María finally scores in the San Siro – we could have a historic result on our hands.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
