Barcelona vs Inter Milan Bet Builder Tips: Goals expected in 7/1 punt

We have reached the semi-finals stage of the Uefa Champions League and one of the last-four battles pits Barcelona against Inter Milan. The Spanish giants have the pleasure of hosting the first leg at Montjuic on Wednesday (20:00, TNT Sports 1).

Barca have been devastating in Europe this term with their attacking powers, while Inter have been excellent defensively, so this feels like it could be a cracking contest. Below I have put forward my Barcelona vs Inter Milan bet builder tips.

Football Odds

Barcelona to win

We start off our Bet Builder by backing a result and I think it would be foolish to go against Barcelona in their own backyard. They have won all but one of their six European encounters at Montjuic this season, with the other being a draw.

They have dismantled both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund here, with the former being beaten by Inter in the quarter-finals by an aggregate scoreline of 4-3.

The Blaugrana have been the best offensive side in the competition with 37 goals scored across 12 matches, meaning they are averaging three per match. The attacking stars of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, to name a few, have been exceptional and I believe they will be able to secure Barca the advantage in this semi-final tie on Wednesday.

The hosts have gained confidence following their Copa del Rey triumph over Real Madrid, and they are still on for a quadruple season. With the way they have been playing in the Champions League, they are perceived as the favourites to go all the way at this stage, in what would be their first UCL title in a decade. Barca have seven wins from their previous eight matches in all competitions, too.

Over 3.5 goals

With Barca averaging three goals a game in Europe this term, it's only fair to assume we'll be treated to a high volume of goals on Wednesday. Over 3.5 goals has been a winning selection in 75% (9/12) of Barcelona's UCL fixtures this campaign, including each of their previous three.

Inter have not been involved in as many high-scoring affairs as their hosts in Europe this season but the Nerazzurri have seen over 3.5 goals strike in two of their 12 outings, including their most recent match at home to Bayern Munich (2-2).

As much has been said about Inter's defensive solidity this season, their standards have dropped in recent weeks. La Beneamata have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 matches in all competitions, so there are bound to be a handful of opportunities for free-scoring Barcelona on Wednesday.

Inter will bring their own attacking threats, though, so they can play their part in this clash. Captain Lautaro Martinez has eight Champions League goals so far this term in 11 appearances, while the likes of Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu have chipped in with three apiece.

Barcelona vs Inter Milan Odds

Raphinha to score anytime

Next up, I've gone for a goalscorer and there is no candidate who stands out more than Barcelona's Raphinha. The Brazilian has been electric in the Champions League this season, scoring 12 goals in as many appearances.

The winger has scored in four of Barca's six European contests at Montjuic, and it is here that he has bagged 58% (7/12) of his haul. The former Leeds United man has been playing some outstanding football this campaign and he is Barca's biggest threat and Inter will need to do their homework on him.

Pace is his ally, as well as the ability to dance past defenders with his neat dribbling. I'm confident that Raphinha can get a number of opportunities at goal on Wednesday, and with the form he is in, I'd back him to get on the scoresheet.

Alessandro Bastoni to commit 2+ fouls

We finish up with a couple of fouls, and I'm turning to Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni in this instance. The Italian will return to the Nerazzurri back line refreshed after serving a Serie A suspension against Roma on Sunday but I'm expecting him to be given an exhausting workout.

Bastoni is likely to be tasked with mopping up after Federico Dimarco if Barca's young star Lamine Yamal gets the better of the wing-back. Bastoni may be considered one of the best defenders in Europe, but he will be facing one of the hottest prospects in the world, who at 16 lit up the Euro 2024 stage with Spain.

Yamal has been a joy to watch this season and his trickery often leads to fouls being won in dangerous areas. The wide man has been brought down 15 times in the UCL this term across 11 outings, while Bastoni has been penalised on 11 occasions in as many fixtures.

I believe Bastoni has a real test coming his way in the form of Yamal, and I think he may struggle.

Offers

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