UEFA Champions League- AC Milan vs Liverpool: Match Preview
After a thrilling win at Molineux, Liverpool will now travel to San Siro for their final group stage clash against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
The Reds might meet the Rossoneri for the last time in this iconic stadium as Milan’s home turf is set for renewal. Thus, the Italian club would like to give their all as it might be the last time they play a UCL fixture in this stadium.
However, looking at the current form Liverpool are in, no team in the world would like to face them at this stage. But given that Liverpool are already through to the knockouts finishing top of the table, it might be possible that a lot of players might be given rest.
Meanwhile, even if Milan somehow manages to win this tie, it won’t ensure them a place in the knockouts as Poro and Atletico Madrid will battle for their places as well. Thus, it will be interesting to how Jurgen Klopp lines up his team for this one as Liverpool might be having some tired legs.
AC Milan v Liverpool: Match Preview & Key Insights
Liverpool and AC Milan will meet in their 4th encounter, all coming in the Champions League. This fixture also brings back the reminiscing memories for Liverpool fans, who witnessed an infamous comeback in Istanbul back in 2005.
While coming back to the four fixtures between the Reds and the Rossoneri, Both teams have won one game apiece in the previous three on their home turf. While Liverpool won the Champions League finals in 2005 at Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
This fixture has always been a goal-scoring feast for the fans. In the last 3 fixtures, Liverpool and Milan have scored 14 goals in total while contributing equally making it 7 a side.
Meanwhile, in the return fixture this season, Liverpool won 3-2 at Anfield to kick-off their UCL campaign.
However, AC Milan will be looking for their first victory against an English side in European competitions since February 2012. As the Italian club is finding it hard to beat an English club, losing 5 and drawing once in their last 6 fixtures.
Moreover, the Rossoneri have managed to win only 1 game in their 9 group stage hostings in the UCL.
On the other hand, the former Premier League champions are on fire this season as they are scoring goals for fun. Jurgen Klopp’s side have lost only one game in this season across all competitions. Thus, they will be looking forward to a perfect end of the group stages by winning all 6 fixtures in the group.
However, the Reds have played back to back games in a short span of 5 days and this will be their 3rd fixture in the last 7 days. Thus, tired legs would mean resting players, which eventually leads to an interesting team selection.
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Klopp will be happy to welcome back Joe Gomez and Naby Keita back in the side. However, it would be a surprise to see them starting due to the lack of game time but they will surely fill the void benches.
Meanwhile, the long time absentee, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Roberto Firmino will yet again be on the sidelines for this fixture. While James Milner remains to be the sole suspender courtesy of an accumulation of bookings.
Apart from that, Klopp has all the options in his bag to decide upon the starting XI.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Alisson; Williams, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Morton, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Origi, Minamino
AC Milan vs Liverpool: Anfield Home Prediction
This fixture will surely test the depth in the Liverpool squad. However, looking at the form of both the teams, Liverpool are the favourites to win the tie. It won’t be surprising to see the Egyptian finding the back of the net and the legend Origi registering yet another goal to his name.
Thus, it will be a tight contest but Anfield Home becks Liverpool to win this one by 2-1.
