Prediction: Inter Milan vs Porto

Prediction: Inter win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

After months away, the UEFA Champions League is back. Football fans around the globe flock to this competition and see it, in many ways, as the pinnacle of club football across the world. We’re now down to the last 16 teams with everyone eyeing up a spot in the final, including Inter Milan and Porto, who will collide this week in the first leg of their round of 16 tie with a place in the quarters on the line.

Inter Milan

The resurgence of Inter Milan has been clear for all to see across the last few years with their Serie A title win serving as a real statement of their intent. Now, they want to expand their horizons even further by proving what they can do on the European stage. Many feel as if they’ve been blessed with a somewhat lucky draw, but either way, they can’t afford to be complacent at this level.

Team News

Correa is believed to be out of action here with Inzaghi being tipped to make a handful of other changes.

Porto

As the top dogs in Portuguese football for so many years, Porto often have a big weight to carry in the Champions League. Alas, with Benfica and Sporting doing well domestically, it’s become harder for the club to compete on all fronts – and yet, they still manage it quite well. They are regulars in the last 16 and who knows, maybe this may be the year they finally make another run deep into the competition.

Team News

Evanilson, Cardoso, Veron and Meixedo are all confirmed to be injured with Otavio, Uribe, Galeno and Martinez viewed as fitness concerns.

Factors to Consider

• Inter are 2nd in Serie A whereas Porto are 2nd in Primeira Liga.
• Inter have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Porto have won their last six games in all competitions.
• Inter have scored seven goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• Porto have scored 12 goals and conceded two in their last six games.

Conclusion

Porto look as good as they have done in years but even with that being the case, we still think it isn’t quite enough for them on the big stage. They’re going to try and play a smart game to frustrate Inter in the first half but with a passionate San Siro crowd behind them, we aren’t so sure it’s going to work. Instead, we’re likely to see the hosts edge in front and stay there, taking a narrow lead with them to Portugal.

Prediction: Inter win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: 888sport