Frank Christian
The standout event of the first matchweek in the Champions League will occur at the iconic San Siro, where AC Milan takes on Liverpool from the Premier League to launch this new phase of the UEFA tournament.
The traditional group stage has been replaced in this revamped competition, with these teams facing off as Liverpool joins from Pot 1 and AC Milan from Pot 2, making it a highly anticipated clash.
Though AC Milan has had a rocky start to the season, they secured a 4-0 victory against newly promoted Venezia, marking their first Serie A win. Star player Christian Pulisic is excelling, contributing two goals and two assists in just four matches, including one of each in the recent win.
On the other hand, Liverpool started the season strong but suffered an unexpected defeat to Nottingham Forest over the weekend, marking a disappointing first loss for new manager Arne Slot at Anfield.
AC Milan vs. Liverpool Prediction and Odds
- Moneyline prediction: Draw (+270)
- Predicted score: AC Milan 2 – 2 Liverpool
Despite Liverpool’s explosive start to the season, their recent performances have not been as impressive. While their 3-0 win against Manchester United appeared dominant, it was achieved with a modest 1.79 xG from 11 shots, with two goals scored on just four attempts before halftime.
Following that, Liverpool’s performance against Nottingham Forest was underwhelming, as they failed to score from 14 shots worth only 0.94 xG. This drop in offensive production against a weaker defense is concerning, especially with a full roster available.
While Milan has struggled, their offensive capabilities could pressure Liverpool to keep pace, even though the Reds are defensively more organized under Slot compared to previous manager Jurgen Klopp.
| BetMGM (USA) |
|
| AC Milan win | +270 |
| Draw | +270 |
| Liverpool win | -105 |
| Both teams to score | Y: -190 N: +130 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals | O: -175 U: +125 |
| Liverpool -0.5 goals | -115 |
| AC Milan +0.5 goals | -120 |
Match Details: AC Milan vs. Liverpool
- Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- Kickoff Time: 9 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
- Venue: San Siro (Milan, Italy)
- Referee: Espen Eskas (NOR)
- Previous Encounter: AC Milan 1 – 2 Liverpool (Dec. 7, 2021 | Champions League)
Best Bet for AC Milan vs. Liverpool
- Bet: Over 3.0 total goals
- Odds: -110 (DraftKings)
Both teams are capable of scoring, and while Liverpool’s defense has been solid, they face a Milan team that has netted nine goals across four Serie A matches this season.
On the defensive side, AC Milan has had issues, despite a recent clean sheet against Venezia after narrowly missing out on conceding a goal due to a VAR review. This remains a small step towards improving their defense, which may pose challenges against a skilled Liverpool squad.
Prop Bet for AC Milan vs. Liverpool
- Bet: Christian Pulisic to score or provide an assist
- Odds: +180 (FanDuel)
Christian Pulisic has been AC Milan’s standout player this season, registering four goal contributions in four matches. His recent performance for the USMNT, scoring against New Zealand during the international break, further showcases his current form.
While the odds of +300 for him to score might seem appealing, his ability to create chances is equally significant and offers excellent value at nearly 2/1.
