AC Milan vs Newcastle predictions ahead of this affair in the Champions League on Tuesday. As Newcastle make their return to Europe’s top competition, can they get a positive result against season’s semi-finalists in the legendary San Siro? Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Match Live Tuesday, 19th September at 5:45 pm In:
AC Milan vs Newcastle Predictions
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San Siro Showdown: Newcastle’s European Comeback against AC Milan
Key Stats
– Newcastle United have averaged 1.6 goals per match this season.
– Olivier Giroud is AC Milan’s top scorer this season with four goals.
After an absence of 20 years from Europe’s elite club competition, Newcastle United are set to face the seven-time victors AC Milan at the legendary San Siro in an electrifying Group F face-off. The Magpies recently halted a three-match losing streak with a win over Brentford. Simultaneously, AC Milan faced a humiliating loss to their historical adversaries, Inter Milan, in an encounter that didn’t just dampen spirits but left San Siro soaked.
The Milan Debacle: A Game to Forget The Derby della Madonnina was dominated by Inter, netting five past Milan, an occurrence unseen since 1974. Rafael Leao did try to turn the tide for Stefano Pioli’s troops, scoring amidst a flurry of goals, but it was to no avail. The loss was especially bitter for Milan, as it was their fifth successive defeat to Inter. To add salt to the wound, their last season’s Champions League dream was also snuffed out by the same opponents in the semi-finals.
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Despite the crushing defeat, a defiant Pioli remains optimistic about his team’s performance for the majority of the match, even if the Rossoneri fans would argue otherwise. With AC Milan having the ‘home’ advantage, they will undoubtedly be looking to put their recent past behind them and secure a victory.
Newcastle’s Rocky Road Newcastle’s journey hasn’t been particularly smooth either. Their recent Premier League outings saw them scraping through with a victory against Brentford after a series of disappointing losses. Eddie Howe, the man at the helm for Newcastle, can breathe a sigh of relief for now, having garnered the unwavering support of the Magpies board. Howe will surely be reflecting upon their last Champions League appearance in 2003 and hoping history doesn’t repeat itself. Nostalgia might also set in when recalling their 2-2 draw against Inter Milan, thanks to an Alan Shearer double.
Form Guide AC Milan’s recent form in all competitions reads: WWWL, while Newcastle has had a more turbulent run with WLLLW.
Team News: Potential Line-ups and Injury Woes Stefano Pioli might have to do without Pierre Kalulu, sidelined with a thigh injury, and Ismael Bennacer, who is recovering from knee surgery. In contrast, Fikayo Tomori, who missed the Inter debacle due to suspension, is expected to return. Pioli may also ponder giving Samuel Chukwueze a starting berth.
For Newcastle, Joe Willock and Emil Krafth are set to miss out, and Joelinton’s knee injury while representing Brazil will keep him out of the starting lineup. Sandro Tonali’s swift recovery is promising news, indicating a potential start for the Italian against his former club.
Top Performers AC Milan’s top performers this season have been spearheaded by Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leão, with Christian Pulisic and Mike Maignan also making their presence felt.
For Newcastle, Jacob Murphy, Kieran Trippier, and Anthony Gordon have been standout performers, with Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes chipping in with crucial contributions.
Tecnical Analysis
Newcastle’s Journey Recently, Newcastle United, helmed by Eddie Howe, showcased an amalgamation of both resilience and fragility. Their ability to end a three-match losing run against Brentford demonstrated their tenacity. Players like Callum Wilson, who scored a penalty against Brentford, stood out in this offensive approach, providing the team with much-needed respite.
However, defensive lapses have been evident, like against Brighton, where Evan Ferguson exploited their gaps. These defensive vulnerabilities were also prominent when they conceded against a 10-man Liverpool, revealing areas that need sharpening.
AC Milan’s Game AC Milan, on the other hand, have been a mixed bag. While they managed to win against strong opponents like Bologna, Torino, and Roma, their humiliating defeat at the hands of Inter Milan raised eyebrows. The offensive potency of Olivier Giroud, who has netted four goals in four matches, and Rafael Leão is undeniable. Yet, their defence, particularly with the absence of players like Pierre Kalulu, seemed porous against Inter.
Players like Christian Pulisic, though brilliant in their own right, have shown inconsistency. Pulisic’s somewhat muted performance during the Inter Milan clash is a testament to this.
Managerial Influences Stefano Pioli’s influence on AC Milan has been evident. Despite the crushing loss to Inter, Pioli remains bullish, indicating his belief in his team’s capabilities. He might have a point, considering that Milan’s performance, for about 70 minutes against Inter, was commendable. His faith in his players like Olivier Giroud and Samuel Chukwueze could be crucial in rebuilding their confidence after such a demoralising loss.
Howe, meanwhile, has been pivotal in trying to restructure Newcastle’s strategies. Despite some shaky performances, the trust he has received from the board suggests a long-term vision. His task, however, remains immense, especially with the looming pressure of the Champions League.
Head-to-Head Comparatively, AC Milan’s offensive strategies seem to revolve around quick passes, attempting to break through defences, with Giroud acting as their spearhead. Newcastle, alternatively, have shown an inclination towards capitalising on errors, though they themselves have been prone to defensive blunders.
The Rossoneri’s experience in European competitions might give them a slight edge in terms of tactics and handling pressure. Newcastle’s recent return to the Champions League after two decades means they are somewhat green, and this could be a factor.
Constructive Criticisms For Milan, bolstering their defence should be paramount. The absence of players like Pierre Kalulu has evidently impacted them, and filling such gaps will be essential against offensive teams. For Newcastle, rectifying their defensive frailties is crucial, as teams with sharp attacks like AC Milan could easily exploit such weaknesses.
Strengths and Weaknesses AC Milan’s strengths undoubtedly lie in their attack, with players like Giroud and Rafael Leão being in fine form. However, their defensive inconsistencies, especially from players like Malick Thiaw, might be a concern. Newcastle’s strengths are their unpredictability and ability to bounce back, but their defensive gaps, as exploited by players like Evan Ferguson, need urgent attention.
In conclusion, as these two titans clash, it promises to be a thrilling encounter. With Newcastle’s unpredictable offensive flare against Milan’s tried-and-tested European pedigree, it’s anyone’s game. However, the game might be won or lost based on which team addresses their recent vulnerabilities more effectively. The theatre of dreams, San Siro, awaits this grand spectacle.
Predictions
1. Match Result: Draw
Justification:
Diving into the form and history of both sides, a draw seems to be the most probable outcome for this fixture. Newcastle United are looking to make their mark in Europe’s top competition after a two-decade absence. While they managed to snap a three-game losing streak with a win against Brentford recently, their inconsistency can’t be ignored. On the other hand, AC Milan faced a demoralising defeat against their city rivals, Inter Milan. Such setbacks often affect the morale of the team, which might make them cautious in their approach. Additionally, while Milan has a commendable home record, the last time these two teams met at San Siro, the game ended in a 2-2 draw, hinting at a similar outcome.
2. Correct Score Prediction: 2-2
Justification:
Analysing both teams’ recent performances, it’s evident that they have a knack for finding the back of the net, yet also have some vulnerabilities in defence. AC Milan have scored 9 goals and conceded 7 in their last 4 matches, averaging more than 2 goals a game. Similarly, Newcastle United have scored 8 and conceded 7 in their last 5 matches, presenting a close matchup. The past also sheds some light on this prediction. Newcastle’s previous visit to San Siro ended in a 2-2 draw, with both sides showcasing their offensive prowess. Given that both teams would be keen to secure points in the group stages, they will likely adopt an attacking approach, leading to multiple goals.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Olivier Giroud
Justification:
Olivier Giroud has been in scintillating form for AC Milan this season. He’s leading the charts with a stellar BettingTips4You rating of 7.78 and has netted 4 times in Serie A, making him the top scorer for his team. His prowess in the air, combined with his ability to be at the right place at the right time, makes him a significant threat, especially when considering set-pieces. Newcastle United’s defence, on the other hand, has conceded 7 goals in their 5 Premier League matches. With Giroud’s current form and Newcastle’s defensive lapses, the Frenchman seems poised to add to his tally.
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