Europe Champions League 19-20. September
- Thread starter spkutano
- Start date
AC Milan vs Newcastle United Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
AC Milan:
Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Hernandez; Reijnders, Krunic, Loftus-Cheek; Chukwueze, Giroud, Leao
Newcastle United:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Tonali, Guimaraes; Gordon, Isak, Barnes
Newcastle United will visit the seven-time competition winners AC Milan at San Siro in Tuesday's battle. Group F is also known as 'Group of Death' considering the fact that Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund are the remaining two participants. AC Milan have reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season. They were one step from the final, but lost 3:0 on aggregate to city rivals Inter. The same opponent should be mentioned again. The Rossoneri had a perfect start of the season with three victories in the opening three matches. AC Milan have outplayed Roma, Torino and Bologna and everything looked fine until Saturday. Nobody was expecting a catastrophe, though coach Stefano Pioli and his players suffered a painful 5:1 defeat in the 'Derby della Madonnina.' The atmosphere in the squad isn't at desired level, while the players confidence is low at the moment. Most of the key players are ready for this clash, including Olivier Giroud who suffered injury while on international duty with France. The 37-year-old striker has had an impressive start of the season with four goals and two assists in the opening four games. Centre-back Pierre Kalulu will miss out the game due to a thigh concern, while Ismael Bennacer is recovering from a knee surgery.
Just two years ago Newcastle were a mediocre side deeply involved into the relegation battle in the Premier League. The Magpies have not won a major trophy for 68 years, since their FA Cup victory in 1955. The last league title was won in 1927. The fans were frustrated, but everything had changed after the takeover by the Saudi "Public Investment Fund." Edie Howe was appointed as new manager, while he brought lot of new players. As a result, Newcastle secured Champions League spot and the fans are pleased. However, the current results are not at desired level. The Magpies had just one win in the first four rounds, losing the remained three against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton. Howe was under heavy pressure ahead of the weekend, but the narrow victory against Bournemouth brought a huge relief. For this match Howe has three injury issues as Joe Willock, Emil Krafth and Joelinton are sidelined. The ex-Milan man Sandro Tonali, should be ready to start against his old club and it will be interesting to see the fans reaction. Alexander Isak should lead the line.
AC Milan vs Newcastle United Prediction:
AC Milan were humiliated on Saturday when they lost 5:1 to Inter in the 'Derby della Madonnina'. The Rossoneri must go for positive result here, another defeat will frustrate the fans and will put coach Stefano Pioli under big pressure. But it won't be easy against Newcastle. The Magpies are strong too, even they will play the top European football for the first time in 20 years. The new Saudi owners are investing big money in the club and Newcastle players will not afraid from European big names. They are definitely capable to score at San Siro.
AC Milan vs Newcastle United Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.63 with Pinnacle
Bayern Munich vs Manchester United Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Bayern Munich:
Ulreich; Mazraoui, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Laimer, Goretzka; Sane, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane
Manchester United:
Onana; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Reguilon; Casemiro, Eriksen; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
German champions Bayern Munich will host Manchester United at the Allianz Arena in their opening Group A fixture on Wednesday night. The Bavarians are strong favorites for the first place in the group that also contains Turkish giants Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen from Denmark. Thomas Tuchel's men have started the new season with three victories, but the series came to an end last Friday. They managed to beat Werder Bremen, Augsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach and everybody was expecting the winning series to continue against Bayer Leverkusen. Even more as Bayern played at home. Harry Kane and Leon Goretzka scored for Bayern, but Leverkusen snatched a point in dramatic fashion thanks to a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review. Tuchel and his players were disappointed at the end, but this is an ideal opportunity to improve the impression. Five players are struggling with injury - Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Raphael Guerreiro and Tarek Buchmann are definitely sidelined, while midfielder Joshua Kimmich is doubtful and will be assessed on Wednesday.
Erik ten Hag had an awful start at Manchester United last season, losing to Brighton at Old Trafford and then suffering a 4:0 defeat at Brentford. Nevertheless, the Dutchman found the winning formula and the fans were satisfied with Top-4 finish. But the start of the current season is similar to the previous campaign. Man United have suffered three defeats in the opening five rounds of the Premier League, losing to Brighton, Arsenal and Tottenham. The Red Devils are already sitting nine points behind leaders and bitter rivals Manchester City. Ten Hag has insisted that Man United are not in crisis, but it is clear he is feeling a huge pressure. Nevertheless, his position is safe, but another defeat could open a question about him. That is why this match is extremely important, United must go for a victory here. But beating Bayern is not an easy task, the Red Devils have won just one of their last eight meetings against Bayern in the Champions League. To be more complicated, this match will be played in Munich and the home players will have a big support from their fans. Ten Hag has some injury issues ahead of this match as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, Tom Heaton, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo are all struggling with injury. Some of them could be fit to return for this match, but the fact is United are handicapped. Finally, Antony and Jadon Sancho are unavailable due to club decision.
Bayern Munich vs Manchester United Prediction:
Manchester United are in crisis at the moment. Bayern are huge favorites in this game, but Manchester should not be underestimated. The fans of both teams are certainly remembering the historic 1999 final, when the Red Devils won in dramatic fashion. However, that was one of just two wins against Bayern in Europe's most prestigious club competition. Furthermore, it was under former boss Sir Alex Ferguson. I don't believe United could outplay Bayern in the actual situation, but they are certainly able to score.
Bayern Munich vs Manchester United Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.59 with Pinnacle
0-0
4-3