Cagliari host AC Milan at the Unipol Domus on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 5:00 PM UK time, as Milan look to carry the momentum from their recent Champions League triumph into Serie A. The Rossoneri impressed with a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid, while Cagliari are aiming to avoid a fourth consecutive league defeat in this challenging fixture.
Match Significance
AC Milan’s midweek success over Real Madrid not only revived their Champions League campaign but also lifted morale after a shaky domestic run. Goals from Malick Thiaw, Alvaro Morata, and Tijjani Reijnders propelled Milan to a much-needed victory in Spain. However, in Serie A, Milan are currently seventh with 17 points, trailing league leaders Napoli by eight. They’ll be keen to return to winning ways in the league and close the gap.
For Cagliari, the season has been one of struggle. They recently fell to Lazio in a 2-1 defeat, despite Zito Luvumbo’s equaliser, only for the match to turn on a controversial penalty and two red cards. Now sitting near the relegation zone, Davide Nicola’s side will be desperate for a positive result at home, although their record against Milan is poor, with only one win in their last 39 top-flight meetings.
Team Analysis
Cagliari
Cagliari are dealing with suspensions for Yerry Mina and Michel Adopo following their red cards against Lazio. Jose Luis Palomino and Razvan Marin are expected to step in to fill these gaps. Zito Luvumbo, fresh from scoring against Lazio, is likely to retain his spot, hoping to replicate his performance from last season when he scored against Milan at home.
Key Players: Zito Luvumbo’s pace and goal-scoring instinct are critical for Cagliari, while Marin’s midfield work rate and creativity will be key to breaking down Milan’s defense.
AC Milan
After a successful Champions League performance, manager Paulo Fonseca may rotate the lineup slightly. Rafael Leao and Yunus Musah impressed midweek, but Samu Chukwueze could be brought back into the attack. Alvaro Morata, who scored against Real Madrid, will likely start, supported by Christian Pulisic and Leao. Injuries keep Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi sidelined, while Matteo Gabbia may return from a minor calf issue.
Key Players: Christian Pulisic’s creativity and goal-scoring prowess add a dynamic edge to Milan’s attack, while Theo Hernandez’s overlapping runs from left-back provide width and additional offensive options.
Predicted Lineups:
Cagliari (4-2-3-1): Scuffet; Zappa, Palomino, Luperto, Augello; Marin, Makoumbou; Zortea, Gaetano, Luvumbo; Piccoli
AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Reijnders, Fofana; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Morata
Head-to-Head and Form
Milan have dominated this fixture historically, winning eight of their last nine meetings with Cagliari, with Cagliari’s last victory coming in 2017. Milan are also strong on the road, having kept five clean sheets in eight away matches this season. Conversely, Cagliari’s recent form has been poor, with only one win from their last six home games.
Betting Tips and Predictions
Prediction: Cagliari 0-2 AC Milan
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Cagliari 0-2 AC Milan.
Justification: Milan’s recent European success and Cagliari’s struggles at both ends of the pitch suggest a straightforward win for the visitors.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): No. Milan’s solid defense combined with Cagliari’s scoring issues at home make this outcome likely.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5. Given Milan’s focus on defensive stability and Cagliari’s scoring challenges, a low-scoring match is anticipated.
First Goal Scorer: Rafael Leao. The forward’s recent form and pace on the left wing make him a prime candidate to open the scoring.
Hot Stat: AC Milan have scored at least once in their last 13 league visits to Cagliari.
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