Champions League: Liverpool and Milan are European Royalty

Liverpool vs AC Milan

September is always a huge month in the football calendar. Transfer windows have closed, the opening rounds of domestic leagues are done and the tables begin to take some shape. And now the Champions League starts.

The cream of world football, the best players on the planet assemble to take part in Europe’s flagship competition, all with a dream of becoming kings of Europe in eight months time. As only the top clubs on the continent are invited to the party there are some huge fixtures from the get-go, and there’s a particularly tasty affair about to take place at Anfield.

Champions League: Liverpool vs Milan brings together two of the most successful clubs in the competition’s history, winning the title 13 times between them, Milan seven and Liverpool six, and both teams have made fast starts to their domestic campaigns. Stefano Piolo’s Milan have won their first three matches and sit second, on goal difference in Serie A. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are level with Chelsea and Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, on ten points from four games.

So Europe beckons, and Liverpool and Milan are about to come face to face at the start of their quest to win Group B. Here we go!

Talking Points

The return of Liverpool’s wingbacks

A trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Sunday was a good test of Liverpool’s progress and the Reds stepped up to the task, winning 3-0. And there was a welcome return to form and position of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right wing-back. After impressing so much in Liverpool’s 2020 title-winning team, Trent lost his way last year and also lost his England place. Latterly, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate experimented with him in a midfield role, but Trent returned to his preferred position on Sunday with devastating effect, playing a part in two goals as Liverpool ran riot. On the other wing, Andrew Robertson is back in scintillating form having missed some key parts of last season with an injury. When these two wingbacks are both firing Liverpool are an entirely different proposition.

Striker Mo Salah became the 30th player to score 100 Premier League goals with his first-half opener against Leeds, but the victory celebrations were dampened slightly as young midfielder Harvey Elliott was stretchered off, and he looks set for a long injury lay-off.

Champions League: Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson are expected to start the match versus AC Milan — Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson speaks with Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips after their match at Elland Road

Roberto Firmino is struggling to return from injury, but we could see a start for midfield general Jordan Henderson as the Reds try to impose themselves on their visitors. Liverpool are at SBOTOP odds of 11.00 to win the Champions League and this is the type of game they must win to bring those odds down.

Zlat’s back for Milan

I Rossoneri were involved in a top of the table clash against Lazio on Sunday and they too came through with flying colours, winning 2-0 after Rafael Leao had given them a half time lead. And the headlines were written around the return from injury of veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who climbed off the bench on the hour and, seven minutes later, scored Milan’s second after a fast break. The Swedish legend always brings stardust to any game and Pioli is sure to bring Ibra to Anfield, though whether he starts on the bench or on the pitch remains to be seen. Premier League fans could see another old face if Olivier Giroud makes the team. The former Chelsea striker missed the Lazio game due to a COVID absence but he is available again.

At odds of 75.00 to win the tournament Milan’s objective is to navigate a group that also contains Atletico Madrid and FC Porto and while it will be tough, the Rossoneri has both the tournament experience and the current squad to make it happen.

History

The Reds have had the better of the Liverpool vs Milan results with three wins to the Rossoneri’s one, and the most memorable meeting came back in the 2005 Champions League final when Liverpool came back from the dead. 3-0 down at halftime, Liverpool roared back and goals from Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso took the game to penalties and with the momentum firmly behind them, the English club won the shootout.

Both teams come into the game in fine form, Milan unbeaten in five games with four wins on the bounce, while Liverpool haven’t lost in nine games at Anfield.

Betting Tip

	Liverpool vs AC Milan	Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.02
	September 16, 03:00 (GMT+8)

The Liverpool vs Milan betting odds make it a home win at odds of 1.56 with the draw at 3.97 and a Milan victory out there at 5.41.

But I’m finding it hard to separate these two teams. The Reds have home advantage but Milan are a formidable opponent and we’re set to see an epic battle to kick off the 2021/22 Champions League.