Preview
AC Milan vs Manchester United is a European classic, although this time they meet in the Europa League instead of the Champions League as we are used to.
It’s all to fight for as Manchester United take on AC Milan at the San Siro in the second leg of their Europa League tie after the sides played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last week.
Manchester United conceded an equalizer in the 92nd minute of the game against AC Milan and now go into the second leg at the San Siro needing to score at least a goal. AC Milan have the safety of an away goal but have been struggling for form of late and are winless in their last four home games.
The Rossoneri have, in fact, not scored in four of their last seven games at the San Siro. Stefano Pioli’s team will definitely hope to turn that around when they take on Manchester United on Thursday.
An interesting game is on the cards and one of both teams will bow out at this stage of the competition. Given what is at stake for this one, expect to see both teams come out guns blazing in search of a win.
Form Guide: AC Milan
After spending much of the season on top of the Serie A, the Italian giants have seen a dip in form. In the last five league games, they have two wins, one draw, and a couple of losses against Napoli and Inter. The Rossoneri also struggled against Red Star Belgrade in the previous round of the Europa League, only narrowly edging them out without scoring a goal from play. Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed the first leg against his former club, but could still play in the rematch. Meanwhile, Mandzukic, Maldini, and Romagnoli are out for sure.
Form Guide: Manchester United
The Red Devils are playing well at the moment and they are looking to extend their good form in this duel. The team has won three out of their last five games in the Premier League, including an away win against the likely champions and town rivals Man City. They are also looking to get back a few of their key players who were out for a while, although it is not yet sure who will exactly be available for this match. However, it is sure that Phil Jones, Paul Pogba, and Juan Mata are out for the game. Martial, Cavani, and Van de Beek are likely to play.
How the Match Could Go
On paper, Milan’s home woes and United’s away day delights should see the Red Devils march to a convincing success, but coming out on top at San Siro is not quite as simple as that. With both teams set to welcome key players back from injury who missed the first leg, a fierce and pulsating showdown is set to occur this week, and the hosts do have the advantage of an away goal.
However, the expected return of Cavani will give United an added dimension to their attack, and while Milan should be able to call upon Ibrahimovic for some inspiration, United still look the more likely side to book their spot in the quarter-finals.
Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
Despite what it may seem like, we’re expecting an open game here. There is all to play for so perhaps both sides might be motivated to come out more, particularly Manchester United. The Red Devils are the away kings and an early game from them could completely change the complexion of the tie. Bet9ja have 1.85 odds, Bet365 have 1.90 and 1xbet have 1.97.
Both Teams to Score
With both sides welcoming some of their top stars back to action, we could see goals at both ends. Depending on when the first goal comes in, we could yet get a reply from the other side. While both sides might boast enough attacking quality, they are not best known for resolute defending. Capitalizing at mistakes or sloppy defending could be the order of the day. Bet365 have 1.69 odds, Bet365 have 1.75 and 1xbet have 1.79.
Double Chance
Given what is at stake for this fixture, it could be a ‘conservative’ match but we expect someone to give in still. The factors surrounding this game points to the likelihood that there will surely be one side taking all three points at the end of the day. Bet9ja have 1.27 odds, Bet365 have 1.30 and 1xbet have 1.35.
Anytime Goal-scorer (AC Milan)
Franck Kessie
The Ivorian forward has impressed for AC Milan this term and has done fairly well in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He has already hit double digits for goals this season and could well pose a threat to the Red Devils. It remains to be seen if he would start but provided he does, he could come as a reliable option to bang in a goal at San Siro. Bet365 have 4.33 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 5.50.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Having missed the first leg due to a muscle injury, the ‘lion’ in Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back in action. He might not be fit enough to start but he is expected to make the bench. Playing against his former side could serve him proper motivation to light up this game. He is also yet to score in the Europa League this season and he’ll be eager to make that right. Bet365 have 2.25 odds while Bet9ja have 3.00.
Anytime Goal-scorer (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has been a revelation since arriving in Manchester in January 2020, the Portuguese midfielder (16) has scored the same number of goals in the Premier League as Harry Kane this season and has netted twice in just his three appearances in this season’s Europa League. With United going to Italy on the back foot, they will be looking at the 26-year-old for some inspiration to earn their spot in the quarter-finals. Bet365 have 2.75 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have 3.00.
Edinson Cavani
The Uruguayan is yet to feature in the Europa League for United this term and this would make for his first start. In the absence of Martial, the veteran forward will be leading the line for United and his experience could come in handy at San Siro. Also, Cavani is well familiar with AC Milan, having scored against them a couple times during his time in the Serie A with Napoli. Similar to Fernandes, Bet365 also have 2.75 odds for him to score while Bet9ja have theirs at 3.00.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
