Frank Christian
AC Milan and Liverpool are set to compete in one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the initial week of the new UEFA Champions League season.
These two iconic teams have met in finals before, in 2005 and 2007. Their first encounter saw Liverpool mount an incredible comeback from 3-0 down, winning on penalties in Istanbul. In their second meeting, Milan avenged that loss with a 2-1 victory in Athens.
This time, as they gear up for the modern format of the Champions League, Liverpool heads to San Siro reeling from a 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, which halted Arne Slot’s perfect start after replacing Jurgen Klopp. The Dutch manager’s disappointment might lead him to consider making adjustments for this crucial match.
In contrast, Milan recently enjoyed a 4-0 triumph over Venezia, taking some of the pressure off their head coach, Paolo Fonseca, who had faced criticism owing to a series of poor results before the international break. Another defeat could raise further doubts about his position.
The Sporting News examines expected lineups and updates for this matchup.
AC Milan vs. Liverpool: Expected Lineups and Team News
Fonseca is likely to retain most players from the squad that dominated Venezia. USMNT’s strong performer, Christian Pulisic, is likely to team up with Rafael Leao in the attack. Alvaro Morata is recovering from a muscle issue but could start this match, likely replacing Tammy Abraham.
Fikayo Tomori might take the place of Matteo Gabbia in defense, while Davide Calabria is back to fitness and will compete with Emerson Royal for the right-back position.
Unfortunately, Ismael Bennacer will be out for several weeks due to a calf injury incurred during the international break. However, Tijjani Reijnders has been performing well in midfield and hopes to build on that form this week.
AC Milan Predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left):Maignan (GK) — Calabria, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez — Reijnders, Fofana, Loftus-Cheek — Pulisic, Abraham, Leao
Injuries: Ismael Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi, Marco Sportiello, Malick Thiaw
Suspensions: None
Ineligibles: Luka Jovic
Following their surprising defeat, Slot may also consider changes for Liverpool.
Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez could be in line for starting spots in attack, while Curtis Jones is back from injury and pushing for a midfield role, although it appears Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, or Dominik Szoboszlai might keep their starting positions.
The defensive lineup should remain unchanged, provided all players complete their recovery without issues.
Liverpool Predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left):Alisson (GK) — Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson — Gravenberch, Mac Allister — Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo — Nunez
Injuries: Harvey Elliott
Suspensions: None
Where to Watch AC Milan vs. Liverpool: Live Stream and TV Channels
Find out how to catch this Champions League clash in various regions worldwide:
| Region | TV Channel | Streaming Options |
| USA | — | Paramount+, ViX |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | — | Amazon Prime Video |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| India | — | JioTV, Sony LIV |
