On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 8 pm UK time, two of Europe’s footballing giants, AC Milan and Liverpool, will meet at the San Siro for a high-profile Champions League group-stage clash. Both teams are under new management—Paulo Fonseca at Milan and Arne Slot at Liverpool—adding an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter.
The Significance of the Match
Both clubs have rich histories in the Champions League, with AC Milan boasting seven titles and Liverpool six. This encounter kicks off their group-stage journey in the new-look Champions League format, where both teams will be eager to secure a strong start. The match also rekindles memories of their famous 2005 and 2007 finals, with revenge always on the cards in these encounters.
Venue and Time
- Location: San Siro, Milan
- Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- Kickoff Time: 8 pm (UK time)
Team Analysis
AC Milan’s Current Form
AC Milan have had a stuttering start to their Serie A campaign under new manager Paulo Fonseca, failing to secure a win in their first three matches. However, they bounced back with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Venezia before the international break, with goals from Theo Hernandez, Youssouf Fofana, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao. The result will give the Rossoneri some much-needed confidence as they prepare for the visit of Liverpool.
Fonseca has a talented squad at his disposal, with Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Christian Pulisic all former Premier League stars, providing a wealth of experience. The return of key players such as Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao in attack will be crucial to Milan’s hopes of victory.
Key Player: Rafael Leao
Leao’s pace and direct running will be a major threat to Liverpool’s defence. The Portuguese forward is one of Milan’s most dangerous attackers, capable of creating and scoring goals.
Team News
Milan are dealing with a few injury concerns. Ismael Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi, and Marco Sportiello are sidelined, while Malick Thiaw is unlikely to feature due to an ankle injury. However, Davide Calabria could return after missing the match against Venezia.
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Probable Starting Lineup:
Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Reijnders, Fofana, Loftus-Cheek; Pulisic, Abraham, Leao.
Liverpool’s Current Form
Liverpool, under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, have started the Premier League season impressively, with three wins from their opening four games. However, their unbeaten run came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend, where they struggled to convert chances and were punished by a stunning goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Despite this setback, Liverpool remain one of Europe’s strongest sides, with attacking talents such as Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and new recruit Federico Chiesa capable of unlocking any defence. The midfield, bolstered by summer signings Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, will play a key role in dictating the tempo of the game.
Key Player: Mohamed Salah
Salah’s goalscoring ability, coupled with his experience in big European nights, makes him Liverpool’s key player. He will look to exploit any defensive weaknesses in Milan’s backline.
Team News
Federico Chiesa remains a doubt for this game, with Slot being cautious about his return from injury. Harvey Elliott is definitely out due to a foot fracture, while Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez are pushing for starts after coming off the bench against Forest.
Probable Starting Lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez.
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Betting Tips and Predictions
Match Prediction
This is a difficult game to call, given the quality both teams possess. However, Liverpool’s attacking depth and their strong record against Italian teams in Europe give them a slight edge.
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: AC Milan 1-2 Liverpool.
Additional Betting Markets
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
Both teams have potent attacking players and could find the back of the net in this contest. - Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
With the attacking firepower on display, this match could see at least three goals. - First Team to Score: Liverpool
Given their attacking quality and Milan’s recent defensive struggles, Liverpool may take the lead. - Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime:
Salah’s record in the Champions League makes him a good bet to score in this match.
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