Group F has been considered the Group of Death in the UEFA Champions League. Each of the four teams still has a chance to qualify for the round of 16. However, Newcastle United and AC Milan are the bottom two clubs in this group as the two sides have equal five points after playing five games.
Therefore, tonight’s game is very crucial for Newcastle and AC Milan. Newcastle United are ready to host the Rossonerri at St James’ Park tonight in this crucial game. The winner of this game will only qualify if Borussia Dortmund can avoid defeat against Paris Saint Germain at the same time.
Stats & Facts
- After coming back to the UEFA Champions League after a long 20 years, Newcastle United have won only one match and lost two so far in this competition.
- They have played only one game against AC Milan, which was their first game in the group round this season. However, it was a goalless draw between the two sides despite AC Milan taking 25 shots.
- The last Italian team to play at St James’ Park against Newcastle United in the European Competition was Inter Milan in 2002. However, Inter won that game by a 4-1 margin.
- AC Milan’s records in England in European competitions are very poor. They have won only one of their 21 games in England in European competitions. The last time they defeated an English club in England was Manchester United in 2005.
- Newcastle United have lost to Borussia Dortmund in their last home game in the UEFA Champions League. A defeat over AC Milan would see them losing two consecutive games in the UCL for the very first time.
Team News
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been dealing with a lot of injuries in his squad. Against AC Milan, he will miss the service of Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, Joe Willock, Matt Targett, and Javi Manquillo due to their respective injury. Meanwhile, former AC Milan player Sandro Tonali is ineligible to play for the suspension.
However, Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff have returned from the injury and are ready to play tonight.
As for the visitors, they have a huge boost following the return of Rafael Leao. But Marco Pellegrino and Simon Kjaer are still out of the squad due to their injury.
Possible Lineup for Newcastle United:
Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Possible Lineup for AC Milan:
Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Hernandez, Florenzi; Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders, Musah; Chukwueze, Giroud, Leao
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 AC Milan
Newcastle United are not in their peak form as they were in the previous season. Moreover, they have lost two consecutive matches in the English Premier League, conceding seven goals.
However, Newcastle have shown what can they do when they are in good shape. But the return of Rafael Leao will massively inspire AC Milan, which can help them to beat Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Betfair Odds
Newcastle United: 1.88
Draw: 4.04
AC Milan: 3.85
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