Milan vs Liverpool Prediction: 17/9/2024

AC Milan made it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League (C3) last year after finishing third in their Champions League (C1) group. However, they are back in the Champions League this season thanks to securing a strong 2nd place finish in Serie A, trailing Inter but ahead of big clubs like Juventus and AS Roma.

Despite a promising pre-season, with notable wins against teams like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, Milan has struggled in Serie A so far. They were held to draws against Torino (2-2) and Lazio (2-2), and even suffered a 2-1 loss to Parma. These results have left them in 14th place, far below their usual standards.

Liverpool, on the other hand, missed out on the Champions League last season, which is unusual for the club. In Jurgen Klopp’s final year, the Reds didn’t manage to qualify for the Europa League either, being knocked out in the quarter-finals by Atalanta.

However, despite numerous injuries, Liverpool secured a 3rd place finish in the Premier League, ensuring their return to the Champions League. Now under new management with Arne Slot, Liverpool has started the Premier League campaign strongly, winning three consecutive games against Ipswich (2-0), Brentford (2-0), and Manchester United (3-0), following an impressive pre-season.

Milan will face Liverpool with several players missing, including summer signing Morata from Atlético Madrid, as well as Florenzi, Sportiello, and Thiaw. Bennacer and Jovic, who missed the last match before the break, are expected to return after representing their national teams.

Milan’s core lineup remains unchanged from last season, with key players such as goalkeeper Maignan, defenders Hernandez and Tomori, midfielders Reijnders and Loftus-Cheek, and talented wingers Leao and Pulisic. With Giroud gone, Jovic and Okafor are filling in upfront, while new signings Fofana, Emerson Royal, and Pavlovic are gradually integrating into the squad.

Liverpool didn’t splash huge amounts in the transfer market but made notable additions, including Chiesa for just €12 million and Georgian goalkeeper Mamardashvili, who is staying on loan at Valencia for now. There were also some departures from the youth ranks, with Van den Berg and Carvalho sold to Brentford, and Bobby Clark moving to Salzburg. Promising youngsters Doak and Bajcetic have gone out on loan.

Arne Slot has kept the core of Klopp’s team intact, with key players like Van Dijk, Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Mac Allister, and Robertson remaining in the starting lineup. In midfield, the young talents Gravenberch and Szoboszlai have stepped up, while Salah (3 goals, 3 assists), Diaz (3 goals, 1 assist), and Diogo Jota (1 goal, 1 assist) continue to be Liverpool’s key attackers. Chiesa could feature, but Curtis Jones remains sidelined with an injury.

 

Prediction

AC Milan has seen both teams score in nine of their last ten Champions League matches, making for exciting games. Similarly, 15 of Liverpool’s last 18 away matches in the competition have also featured both teams finding the net. This trend is likely to continue when these two teams meet.

Prediction: AC Milan 1 – 3 Liverpool