Prediction: Liverpool win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: 888sport
The UEFA Champions League group stage is set to get underway this week as 32 sides attempt to move one step closer towards the knockout stage of the competition. The European Cup has been hoisted by some of the greatest clubs in world football over the years and two of them, Liverpool and AC Milan, will meet on Merseyside for what many are dubbing the “trilogy” match given the astonishing history they’ve shared together in the last few decades.
Liverpool
Liverpool and the UCL is a love story as old as time and we’re expecting to see that trend continue this season. Their six triumphs in this competition have, in many ways, defined the modern history of the club in the red half of the city. Their squad is more than good enough to make another surge towards the latter stages of the knockouts and, in more ways than one, that’s what is expected of them at this level.
Team News
Williams and Firmino are out through injury with Harvey Elliott now being on the shelf for an extended period thanks to the nasty ankle injury he suffered against Leeds.
AC Milan
After years of being on the outside looking in, it’s starting to feel like AC Milan are finally back in the big time. They may not have succeeded in their quest to win the Serie A title but breaking back into the top four feels like a pretty good back-up, all things considered. They’ll march into battle tomorrow night knowing that while there may not be as much pressure as there would be at home, their supporters will still be out for blood.
Team News
Giroud was previously considered to be a doubt for this game but will now fight for a place in the staring XI alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Elsewhere, Krunic and Bakayoko are both out of action through injury.
Factors to Consider
- Both sides have beaten the other in a previous UCL final – Liverpool won in 2005, with Milan winning the 2007 rematch.
- Liverpool have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
- AC Milan have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
- Liverpool have scored 13 goals and conceded three in their last six games.
- AC Milan have scored nine goals and conceded two in their last six games.
Conclusion
In front of what is bound to be a lively Anfield crowd, we’re just not sure we can picture anything other than a solid Liverpool win. Milan should give them a few problems but we anticipate that’ll moreso be the case in the reverse fixture back at the San Siro, with the Reds having another of their “famous Anfield nights” on Wednesday. We’re going for a 2-0 prediction to give Klopp’s men a positive start to their Champions League campaign.
Prediction: Liverpool win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: 888sport
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
