AC Milan have won just one of their four road games this season, while also looking poor in the EL opener, losing to Benfica 2-0. Salzburg are underestimated here and I will back them to snatch at least one point on Thursday.
Key Stats
- Salzburg are unbeaten in their last 15 matches.
- Salzburg have won their last 6 home matches.
- AC Milan are winless in 4 of their last 5 matches.
Rossoneri Lead H2H
These two clubs locked horns four times, AC Milan winning on three occasions while one encounter ended without a winner.
Salzburg Tagged Underdogs
Salzburg were in control in their first Europa League main stage match against Levski in Sofia and claimed a well-deserved 1-0 victory, Haris Tabakovic finding the net just before the break.
A couple of days later, they had zero problems in the Austrian Bundesliga derby, outplaying Sturm Graz 3-0 at home and moved up to second place.
This mini-winning streak came to an end last weekend though, being held to a goalless draw against Grazer on the road. This was an open contest where both sides missed multiple chances to score.
AC Milan Underperforming This Season
AC Milan are under pressure after losing their first Europa League appearance to Benfica 2-0 in mid-September, ending this clash with 1.03-0.63 xG, 61% possession and 17-11 shots.
Ruben Amorim’s side is also underperforming in the Italian Serie A where they claimed just three victories in six rounds and currently sit in 5th place.
Their last three league games on the road ended without a winner; 1-1 against Juventus, 2-2 against Lazio and most recently Sassuolo 1-1 last weekend.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Salzburg (4-2-3-1) Christian Zawieschitzky; Stefan Lainer, John Boma, Tim Drexler, Romano Schmid; Bartosz Mazurek, Mamady Barry; Edmund Baidoo, Takumu Kitano, Yorbe Vertessen; Karim Konate
Nikolas Veratschnig, Soumaila Diabate, and Enrique Aguilar remain sidelined with injuries for the home side. Haris Tabakovic is having a good season so far but suferred a minor knock, so he is expected to start on bench.
AC Milan (3-4-2-1) Mike Maignan; Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic; Samuel Chukwueze, Yunus Musah, Luka Modric, Davide Bartesaghi; Christian Pulisic, Alphadjo Cisse; Goncalo Ramos
Mattia Gabbia suffered a serious injury earlier this month and will be out for at least two months, while Alexis Saelemaekers is also unavailable.
Mattia Gabbia suffered a serious injury earlier this month and will be out for at least two months, while Alexis Saelemaekers is also unavailable.