Inter Milan vs Shakhtar Donetsk Predictions

• Inter are under pressure to win after back-to-back Champions League losses
• Shakhtar have not beaten Inter in seven attempts, drawing four and losing three
• Inter have won with both teams scoring in three of five home games this season

Inter have little margin for error

Inter Milan have little margin for error when Shakhtar Donetsk visit the San Siro on Wednesday night after Cristian Chivu’s side suffered defeats in their opening two Champions League League Phase fixtures.

A 2-1 away defeat to Real Madrid was not wholly unexpected, albeit the Nerazzurri wasted enough chances to record a famous win at the Bernabeu. But catastrophe struck on matchday two when Club Brugge edged a seven-goal San Siro thriller to inflict a sixth Champions League loss in seven on Inter.

Meanwhile, Shakhtar have made a respectable start, drawing with PSV in Eindhoven before defeating AEK Athens at their temporary London home, but this represents a significant step up in class. Arda Turan’s men can play with freedom as underdogs, although coping with Inter’s attacking depth over 90 minutes looks tough and a demanding travel schedule could catch up with them.

Thuram set to step up for Nerazzurri 

Shakhtar catch a break with the absence of Inter’s most reliable goalscorer Lautaro Martinez, but Marcus Thuram is capable of continuing his good form in front of goal.

Chivu is expected to freshen up his side, with Ivan Provedel tipped to start in goal and several key names returning to the line-up after being rested from a 3-1 Serie A win at Bologna last weekend.

Inter know only victory will do and should approach this game with intensity from the outset. Shakhtar are competitive, but the hosts possess greater quality across the pitch and can secure a comfortable win. A 3-1 home success appeals as the best correct-score option.