Champions League predictions & accumulator tips for Wednesday
Sevilla vs PSV Eindhoven predictions
Sevilla have taken just two points from their first four Champions League games, part of a lengthy malaise which cost former manager Jose Luis Mendilibar his job.
His successor Diego Alonso hasn't had much success changing course, managing just one win in his first eight games in charge, while the Andalusians have won just twice at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in all competitions this season.
On the surface, there doesn't seem to be much for PSV to worry about as they chase a win which could tighten their grip on second place in the group.
The Eredivisie side have five points after beating Lens 1-0 last time out in the Champions League, their first group-stage win in the competition in 15 attempts.
That victory forms part of a 12-game unbeaten run featuring 10 wins since losing at Arsenal on matchday one of the Champions League.
That was only PSV’s third loss in their last 15 European away games, with another coming the last time they visited Sevilla in the Europa League last season.
They lost 3-0 that night but may be able to avenge that loss, thanks largely to their attacking ability. PSV have been scoring goals for fun in the Eredivisie, while Sevilla’s attack has looked blunt.
Sevilla rank 31st out of the 32 Champions League sides in Fotmob’s expected goals model, while they also look vulnerable at the back, keeping one clean sheet in the last 12 matches in all competitions.
Betting sites are struggling to split these sides in the match market, but there’s more to like about PSV, who are 10/11 in the draw no bet market with Unibet.
Benfica vs Inter Milan predictions
(TNT Sports Extra, 8pm)
Benfica have been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2023/24 Champions League and enter the penultimate round of group matches already eliminated from the competition.
For a side that made the quarter-finals in each of the previous two seasons, a return of zero points and one goal from their first four games is a huge disappointment.
They could still qualify for the Europa League as they get set to host an Inter Milan team that’s already secured a spot in the last 16.
While the Nerazzurri are already through, first place in Group D is still to be decided so they need a result from this game.
Inter won the reverse fixture 1-0 and this game sets up as another tight encounter with the Italians boasting the best defensive record in Serie A.
Both sides have seen under 2.5 goals land in three of their first four group games, while Benfica rank joint-last for big chances created in the Champions League with two, according to Fotmob.
The Portuguese have failed to score in their last three Champions League home games and all the signs suggest it may be worth taking the under 2.5 goals option on new betting sites.
Braga vs Union Berlin predictions
(TNT Sports Extra, 8pm)
Union Berlin had something to celebrate at the weekend as they finally ended a run of nine successive Bundesliga defeats with a 1-1 draw against Augsburg.
They could have even won that game, missing a penalty in the second half, and should have taken a bit of confidence from stopping the rot ahead of a trip to Braga.
The Champions League odds make the Portuguese side favourites for a game they can’t afford to lose if they are to make the knockout stage of the competition for the first time in the club’s history.
They came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Germany in October, netting a 94th-minute winner, and this game may well be just as tight.
Union may have one point from four games but have acquitted themselves well away from home in the Champions League, drawing 1-1 at Napoli and holding out for 94 minutes against Real Madrid before Jude Bellingham struck the winner.
Braga have lost their last five home games in the Champions League group stage and Union need a result to remain in the hunt for a Europa League spot.
It could be worth taking on Braga and with our final Champions League prediction, we’re backing Union/draw double chance at 7/10 with William Hill.
Chris is an experienced sports betting writer who has worked with most major bookmakers and national media outlets, such as Racing Post and ITN. He covers a wide range of sports with his favourites being NFL, rugby, football and Formula 1.
