Prediction: AC Milan vs Bologna

Verdict: AC Milan win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Desperate to make up some ground in the Serie A title chase, AC Milan will welcome Bologna to the San Siro on Saturday night.

AC Milan

Starting with the hosts, while AC Milan might find themselves facing a major uphill battle in their bid to claim a 20th domestic crown this season, the Rossoneri are enjoying a domestic purple patch. Last seen mounting a stellar last-gasp comeback away at Udinese as they eventually snatched an action-packed 3-2 victory, Stefano Pioli’s side are sat firmly in the driving seat to clinch another Champions League ticket in 2024. Making a real statement earlier in the month as they secured a a 3-1 romp against historic rivals Roma, the former Lazio boss has seen his high-flying squad win five of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Likewise, losing just one of their last nine outings – a run that stems back to December 9th – AC Milan will be smelling another golden opportunity here. It is also worth highlighting, Saturday’s hosts have won five of their previous six showdowns at the San Siro.

Team News

Both away at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria and Nigeria respectively, AC Milan will be without the duo of Ismael Bennacer and Samuel Chukwueze on Saturday night. Likewise, all still dealing with injury issues, the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, Pierre Kalulu and Tommaso Pobega here.

Already notching 10 Serie A strikes in his 18 appearances this season, French international Olivier Giroud will have a leading role to play here. Although Rafael Leao might have registered just a pair of domestic goals since the end of September, the 24-year-old will once again partner Giroud in the final third.

Bologna

As for the visitors, although Bologna might have their sights set on snatching another top-half finish in 2024, the Greyhounds are in the midst of a recent blip. Last seen putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Cagliari, Thiago Motta’s men have failed to win any of their previous four domestic appearances across all formats. Crashing out of the Copa Italia on January 9th after suffering penalties heartbreak away at Fiorentina, Saturday’s guests have continued to gain a reputation for their extended issues on the road. Including a woeful 3-0 drumming against Udinese when signing off 2023, Bologna have lost all of their last three showdowns away from the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Likewise, hit with a routine 2-0 defeat when they welcomed AC Milan to town back on August 21st, Motta’s men are rightfully tipped as a landslide underdog here.

Team News

Away with Morocco at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations, Bologna will travel to the San Siro without 22-year-old defender Oussame El Azzouzi on Saturday night. All still dealing with respective injury issues, Motta is also expected to be without the likes of Dan Ndoye, Jesper Karlsson and Adama Soumaoro.

However, in what is a major boost for the Greyhounds, attacking talisman Joshua Zirkzee will make a full return after serving a one-match suspension against Cagliari last week. Bagging four Serie A strikes this season, Scotland international Lewis Ferguson will join the ex-Bayern Munich starlet in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When AC Milan and Bologna met for their reverse Serie A showdown on August 21st, the Rossoneri picked up a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
• AC Milan have won five of their previous six domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Saturday’s hosts have won five of their last six contests at the San Siro.
• Bologna have lost all of their previous three domestic showdowns away from the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
• Six of AC Milan’s last seven home fixtures across all competitions have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Continuing to shine on either side of opening the New Year, AC Milan should be smelling the chance to make another statement here. Along with winning five of their previous six domestic appearances across all competitions, Saturday’s hosts have also gained a reputation for their extended success at the San Siro. Likewise, landing a 2-0 victory when they met Bologna for their reverse Serie A showdown on August 21st, we are backing a similar outcome this weekend.

Verdict: AC Milan win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet