Stadium: Anfield (Liverpool)
After 14 years, these teams will meet again. But this time, not in the finals of the most prestigious European competition but the first leg of the Champions League. Will the winner of the 2005 or 2007 UEFA Champions League final be the better side?
Liverpool
Liverpool are listed among the top favourites in the tournament and for a good reason. Their key players have recovered, with 10 of their 12 points after four rounds of the EPL, keeping them in the group of leaders. There is every reason for the Reds to be in contention for the top places and, at the same time, to win the big tournaments. Last weekend, for example, they took on Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds 3-0 away. It seems that Liverpool are ready not just to win but to smash their opponents.
AC Milan
AC Milan have made a strong start to the season, winning three games. They beat Sampdoria (1-0), Cagliari (4-1) and Lazio (2-0). Therefore, the Rossoneri are tied for first place with Jose Mourinho’s Roma, just behind the Wolves on goal difference. Olivier Giroud has managed two goals in Serie A, including a Brahim Dias haul for the team, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic also returned to the squad last weekend. It is worth recalling that Ibra had another knee injury, having undergone surgery in mid-June. He returned to the pitch three months later, scoring against Lazio. It looks like Ibra will be the key player in the match against Liverpool.
History of the head-to-head encounters
It’s not a rich encounter, but there was plenty of history between the two meetings—both games featured in the Champions League final. The first, in 2005, was one of the most violent and roof-breaking in the history of football, dubbed the Miracle of Istanbul. Back then, Liverpool battled back from 0-3 down after the first half and heroically survived a penalty shoot-out that they sensationally won. Jerzy Dudek was the evil genius of Andriy Shevchenko, repulsing his one-meter effort in extra time and then pulling off the decisive penalty. But two years later, justice was served, and AC Milan, without Andriy Shevchenko, managed to wreak revenge on the Scousers with a 2-1 victory. Since then, their paths have never crossed in official tournaments.
Expert Betting Tips
AC Milan had a monster squad back in the noughties, but Liverpool was no match for them. It’s the other way round now. Therefore, we believe that Liverpool will show their class and at the same time confirm that the EPL is the strongest league in the world. You can bet on Liverpool’s victory with a handicap (-1) for 1.72.
We also believe that Mohamed Salah, who scored his 100th goal in the EPL last weekend, will continue to stamp his goals on stream. After four years at Liverpool, he remains a major threat to all opponents. We’re sure he’ll be the one to upset the Italian team, as he did against Roma in 2018. Betway gives 1.95 for his goal.
In conclusion, we suggest betting that the hosts will score in both halves, as Jurgen Klopp’s charges assert their dominance from the first to the last minute regardless of the scoreline. Bet9ja gives 2.03 for Liverpool to score in both halves.
Other predictions
