Milan vs Roma Preview, Prediction, and Top Wagers
AC Milan and AS Roma Prepare for Europa League Quarter-Final Showdown
Thursday night will see AC Milan host AS Roma in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final. The hosts are currently on a seven-match winning streak and are unbeaten against AS Roma in nine games, with six victories. Meanwhile, Roma have only suffered one defeat in the last 11 matches under Daniele De Rossi.
AC Milan's Recent Form
Milan have won seven consecutive matches, following two defeats in February. Their most recent victories came in Serie A games against Verona, Fiorentina, and Lecce. They also secured a 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague in the Europa League at home and a 3-1 win in the return leg.
Projected Lineup
Stefano Pioli will be without Malick Thiaw, who is doubtful due to a foot injury, and Pierre Kalulu, who is ruled out due to an injury. Fikayo Tomori is suspended, and if Thiaw cannot play, Simon Kjaer and Matteo Gabbia are expected to start in central defense. Tommaso Pobega will miss out in midfield due to a hamstring complaint, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek likely to return. This could see Christian Pulisic move to the right wing and Samuel Chukwueze join the bench.
Objective to Win at Home
Milan are no longer in the running for the Serie A title but are focused on winning the Europa League. Pioli intends to select his best XI for this match, aiming for a home win in the first leg and an attacking approach against Roma.
AS Roma's Recent Form
AS Roma's form has improved significantly since Jose Mourinho's departure, with just one defeat in Daniele De Rossi's first 11 matches in charge. They have won three Serie A games in a row before their 4-0 home victory against Brighton in the Europa League.
Key Injuries
Evan N'Dicka will be suspended for Roma, while Houssem Aouar is doubtful due to illness. Sardar Azmoun will miss the match due to a hamstring injury. Tammy Abraham is expected to boost the bench options following his return from injury.
Potential Formation
Roma's team formation may vary between a 4-3-3 and a 3-4-1-2 setup. A draw from this first leg would be considered a good result ahead of the second leg.
Key Statistics
Loftus-Cheek has scored four goals in his last four Europa League matches, while Milan have won their last seven matches and are unbeaten in nine against Roma (six wins, three draws). Roma have only lost one of their last 11 matches and have kept three consecutive clean sheets.
Betting Predictions
Betting experts predict a close game, with Milan as favorites to win at 1.80. The value bet is on AC Milan winning by one goal at 3.35, while Loftus-Cheek is tipped to score anytime at 3.50.
James O'Connor, a football analyst, will provide expert analysis of this match. You can find him on Twitter @footy_analysis.
Fikayo Tomori's suspension and Malick Thiaw's injury doubt could impact AC Milan's central defense, with Simon Kjaer and Matteo Gabbia expected to start.
AC Milan's recent form, including seven consecutive wins and a 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague in the Europa League, has made them favorites to win at 1.80, according to betting experts.
James O'Connor, a football analyst, will provide expert analysis on the potential impact of key injuries and player movements on the outcome of the AC Milan vs AS Roma match, which could prove crucial in betting predictions.
