Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 11, 2024 8:11 pm GMT
As the UEFA Champions League kicks off, Liverpool faces a critical matchup against AC Milan at the iconic San Siro stadium. With both teams eager to secure an early win in the group stage, the spotlight is on Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot and rising U.S. star Christian Pulisic, who is looking to make a significant impact.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
Scheduled for September 17, 2024, the match between AC Milan and Liverpool will kick off at 8 p.m. BST (British Summer Time). Fans can watch the game live on Amazon Prime, with coverage starting one hour earlier at 7 p.m.
- Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- Kick-off: 8 p.m. BST
- Venue: San Siro, Milan
- Broadcast: Amazon Prime (live streaming available)
Team News and Player Availability
Both teams are entering this match with some absentees. For AC Milan, key players are missing, while Liverpool has faced its own injury challenges in preparation for this critical clash.
AC Milan:
- Injured Players:
– Ismael Bennacer
– Alessandro Florenzi
– Marco Sportiello
- Doubtful:
– Malick Thiaw
– Davide Calabria
Liverpool:
- Injured Players:
– Harvey Elliott (expected to miss around a month due to a fractured foot)
- Debut Watch: Federico Chiesa has yet to debut for Milan, and his potential inclusion in the squad is anticipated.
Recent Form and Team Morale
Liverpool’s recent performance has put pressure on them as they head into this major tournament. After a surprising loss to Nottingham Forest, the team seeks to bounce back against a historically formidable opponent. Arne Slot, who recently replaced Jurgen Klopp as manager, will be looking for a strong start in Europe.
Conversely, AC Milan has had a mixed start to the season. Despite a solid victory over Venezia, the team under Paulo Fonseca has faced challenges, leaving both players and fans eager for a consistent performance in the Champions League.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical rivalry between AC Milan and Liverpool adds an exciting dimension to this matchup. Here’s a look at their past meetings:
| Match Type | AC Milan Wins | Draws | Liverpool Wins |
|——————–|—————|——-|—————-|
| Total Matches | 2 | 1 | 1 |
- Current Odds:
– AC Milan to win: 29/10
– Draw: 29/10
– Liverpool to win: 20/23
These odds, provided by Betfair, reflect the competitive nature of this fixture.
Players to Watch
As the game approaches, several players are critical for both teams:
- Christian Pulisic (Liverpool): The U.S. men’s national team star aims to shine on this international stage, and a strong performance could elevate his profile even further.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): As one of Liverpool’s key players, Salah’s ability to find the net could directly influence the game’s outcome.
- Olivier Giroud (AC Milan): The experienced forward remains a vital thrust for AC Milan’s attacking strategy.
Expectations for the Game
With both teams eager to begin their Champions League campaigns strongly, this duel promises to be highly competitive. Experts predict Liverpool may have the edge, estimating a 2-0 victory. Pulisic’s role will be pivotal as he collaborates with the likes of Salah to challenge the AC Milan defense.
Viewing Options and Fan Engagement
Fans can stay engaged by following live coverage provided by multiple sports platforms, including Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog. This coverage will provide real-time updates on the game, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the action.
Liverpool’s Christian Pulisic in action during training ahead of the Champions League clash.
As excitement grows for this big European match, both teams need to deal with their early-season ups and downs, like injuries and performance. Liverpool is looking to bounce back after a tough game, while AC Milan wants to find their rhythm again to be strong in the Champions League. This game is sure to be thrilling for soccer fans everywhere!
