Introduction:

On November 29, 2023, fans of European football will witness an exhilarating Champions League encounter between Portuguese side Benfica and Italian giants Inter Milan. The match, to be held at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, promises intense competition as both teams aim to secure their positions in the group stage. With predictions, team news, and lineups shaping the pre-match discussions, anticipation is building for this highly anticipated showdown.

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Benfica's Quest for Redemption:

Benfica enters the match seeking redemption after a disappointing Champions League campaign. Although already eliminated from the tournament, they aim to salvage a Europa League spot by avoiding finishing the group stage with zero points. Their previous four group stage matches resulted in defeats, leaving them and Royal Antwerp as the only teams yet to secure a point. Benfica's focus will be on improving their European form, contrasting their impressive domestic performance where they currently sit atop the Primeira Liga table.

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Inter Milan's Impressive Run:

Inter Milan, on the other hand, has already sealed their place in the knockout stage of the Champions League. They have showcased remarkable form, remaining unbeaten in their first four group stage matches for the first time since their triumphant 2009-10 season under Jose Mourinho. The Nerazzurri's recent draw against title rivals Juventus extended their unbeaten streak to ten games across all competitions. Led by manager Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan will be determined to continue their impressive run and secure a favorable group stage position.

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Team News and Lineups:

Benfica's manager, Roger Schmidt, will be hoping to rally his side and field a strong lineup for the clash. The return of Orkun Kokcu and the potential comeback of Juan Bernat are positive developments for the Portuguese outfit. However, they will be without the services of winger David Neres, while Rafa Silva and Angel Di Maria are expected to start in the wide areas.

 

Inter Milan, despite a few defensive injury concerns, boasts a formidable lineup. Alessandro Bastoni's absence due to a calf injury adds to Benjamin Pavard's ongoing knee problem. Nevertheless, the return of Juan Cuadrado provides Inzaghi with more options. Inter's starting lineup may feature the likes of Cuadrado, Nicolo Barella, and Hakan Calhanoglu, with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Thuram leading the attacking front.

 Possible starting lineups

 Benfica:

Trubin; Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Morato; Joao Neves, Florentino Luis, Joao Mario, Aursnes; Di Maria, Musa, Rafa Silva

Inter Milan:
Sommer; Darmian, De Vrij, Acerbi; Cuadrado, Barella, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Carlos Augusto; Thuram, Martinez

Prediction:

Considering Benfica's struggles in the Champions League and Inter Milan's dominant form, the odds seem to favor the Italian side. Benfica will be eager to salvage some pride, but Inter's superior quality and recent performances make them the favorites in this encounter. A tightly contested match is expected, with Inter Milan ultimately clinching a narrow victory.

 

Conclusion:

As Benfica and Inter Milan prepare to clash on November 29, 2023, football enthusiasts can anticipate an enthralling Champions League match. Benfica's quest for redemption and Inter Milan's pursuit of maintaining their unbeaten streak will undoubtedly generate intense on-field action. With both sides eager to secure favorable group stage positions, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle between these European powerhouses.