Wednesday’s mega Champions League slate finds two teams looking to secure qualifying positions for the knockout rounds. As things stand, both Dortmund and Inter Milan would advance to the Round of 16 playoff, but we’ve got one more result to settle.
Milan is a +140 favorite to win on DraftKings Sportsbook while Dortmund is at +190. There are +250 odds that the teams will split the points. Let’s get into a prediction and pick for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League matchup.
Dortmund vs. Inter Milan prediction, pick
Inter Milan entered this Champions League campaign seeking revenge. They got off to a scorching start, winning their first four games while looking dangerous. Then things went off a cliff; losses to Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, and Arsenal put their qualifying status in jeopardy. Now they need to get back on track, and take a shot at moving right on to the Round of 16. But it’s possible that these losses have condemned them to the Round of 16 playoff.
To get back into winning form, their star offensive contributors need to step up. Lautaro Martinez is no stranger to big UCL goals, and Federico Dimarco provides plenty of service as a left wing back. But the absence of Hakan Calhanoglu will be felt deeply in the midfield, putting a lot of pressure on Nicolo Barella to control the center of the pitch.
Dortmund is experiencing a bit of a UCL slide itself. After dropping points to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, a loss to Tottenham Hotspur in their last match raises questions. Although unlikely, there is a slim possibility that a bad loss jeopardizes their spot in the Round of 16 playoff.
The question for Dortmund is how the youngsters perform. Nico Schlotterbeck is having a dominant season from the back line and forms a good partnership with Emre Can. But they rely on so many kids in the outfield: Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha, Fabio Silva, and Max Beier are all 23 or younger while playing big minutes. Someone in that group needs to take the mantle offensively in order to ease the pressure on their back three.
I love the attacking potential in this one. Even without Calhanoglu, Milan can put together some spectacular attacking play to match their possession style. And the Dortmund youth are capable of wonderful moments. With much to gain and nothing to lose for both sides, I expect them to go full tilt at one another.
