Following what seems like an eternity, the UEFA Champions League action returns to our screens this midweek, and fans have some mouth-watering fixtures on the schedule. Eight games go on Tuesday evening, with the remaining fixtures from matchday five played on Wednesday. You can follow the best of the action live on television as teams battle to secure their place in the next round.
There’s plenty to catch your eye on Tuesday evening as the curtain goes up on the penultimate round in the kind of style we’ve come to expect from UEFA’s flagship tournament. We focus on matters in Italy, where there’s a fascinating contest involving AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund from 20:00 in Group F.
Will the Italians use home advantage to secure the bragging rights, or will the Germans stage a smash-and-grab on the points? Keep reading as our expert football team delivers its verdict.
Milan remains in the running
Group F is shaping up to be one of the most competitive pools in this season’s Champions League, and AC Milan are in the thick of the action. The Serie A side haven’t had things all their way so far, meaning fans can look forward to a grandstand finish. Ahead of matchday five, just three points separate current leaders Borussia Dortmund and bottom club Newcastle United, although everything can change in 90 minutes. The locals know all they can control is this game.
Heading into the contest, Milan sits third in the pool with their stats for the campaign so far, reading one win, two draws, and a single defeat, scoring two goals and conceding four. The five points collected mean they could go top if results go their way on Tuesday, although they could also spiral out of the running if luck isn’t on their side. The Italians prepare following a solid win and know back-to-back victories would turn this pool on its head. Do they have what it takes to put pressure on their opponents and group leaders?
Dortmund is in control
Borussia Dortmund travels to Italy for the challenge of Milan, knowing the group is theirs to throw away. The Bundesliga outfit has been the strongest in the pool in the opening four games, collecting seven points, one more than their nearest rival, PSG, and two better than the home team. Victory on Tuesday would secure Dortmund a place in the next round, giving fans European football to look forward to in the new year. But they have an uphill struggle against an under-fire opponent and know nothing is won easily in Italy.
Bet hereDortmund’s stats read two wins, one draw, and a defeat from four games, which is impressive, but the stats don’t tell the complete story. Each of the German club’s two wins have come in their last two games as they raced from the outskirts of the pool into contention. They are now 90 minutes away from securing knockout football after the break, and that won’t be lost on anyone inside the away dressing room. They’ve performed admirably to top such a star-studded pool and won’t want to throw it all away now. Unbeaten in three, Borussia Dortmund aims to make it 10 points from a possible dozen.
Milan v Dortmund prediction
Here, we have a meeting of two teams that fully appreciate the importance of three points. A win for the locals would keep them in the running for knockout football while making things interesting on matchday six, and that’s all fans can ask. It’s been a strange campaign, and Milan hasn’t been at their best, but that’s to be expected against such high-class opponents. Their best at home should be enough to add an important victory.
Borussia Dortmund may be the pool leaders and the team most likely to progress to the next stage, but they know nothing has been decided yet. Dortmund are on a great run and take confidence from a three-game unbeaten streak, following a draw with two wins on the spin. Italian teams are always difficult to break down on their patch, and Milan will make the visitors work throughout the 90+ minutes.
Champions League odds
The pre-match betting odds on this game, currently available at 22bet, make for interesting reading. You can back AC Milan for the victory at odds of 1.99 or take the in-form Germans to add another victory at 3.68. Can’t split them? The draw may appeal to those sitting on the fence, and there’s 3.56 up for grabs if you expect a level finish.
In addition to the winner market, 22bet also offers a long list of specials, including both teams to score, handicap and the game’s first goal scorer. Check the stats, review the form of both teams, and look for a gem from the specials. There’s something to suit every game, bettor, and budget.
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