Prediction: AC Milan vs Newcastle

Verdict: AC Milan double chance

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Making their first Champions League appearance in almost two decades, Newcastle will travel to the San Siro on Tuesday evening when they meet AC Milan.

AC Milan

Starting with the hosts, marking their return from September’s international break with a woeful performance at the San Siro, AC Milan will be desperate to claim an immediate response here. Eventually slumping to an infamous 5-1 drumming at the hands of bitter local rivals Inter, the Italian heavyweights also saw their 100% start to the 2023/24 campaign come to an abrupt end. However, gaining a string of plaudits last season as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, Stefano Pioli’s men will be excited to get their new European adventure underway here. Including claiming eye-catching victories against the likes of Napoli and Tottenham, the Rossoneri will know the importance of laying down an early marker here. Nevertheless, despite landing an eye-catching 2-1 win away at Roma when heading into the international break, it is worth highlighting that AC Milan have failed to claim a clean sheet in their last three domestic appearances.

Team News

Although England international Fikayo Tomori might have been forced to serve a domestic ban over the weekend, the former Chelsea defender will make a full return here. However, still yet to make a single appearance this season after sustaining a long-term knee injury, AC will be without Ismael Bennacer in midweek.

Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike at the San Siro a few days ago and now bagging back-to-back Serie A strikes, Portugal international Rafael Leao will have a key role to play on Tuesday evening.

Newcastle

As for the visitors, managing to make what was a much-needed return to winning ways over the weekend as they claimed a 1-0 victory at home against Brentford, Newcastle now trying to find some crucial stability. Heading into September’s international break in the midst of a three-match losing run, Eddie Howe’s men are still trying to find a similar level that they set last season. Enjoying what was a fairytale story on either side of the World Cup’s winter interval as they booked a first top-four finish in almost two decades, the former Bournemouth boss could have a mild headache over his side’s extended issues away from St. James’ Park. Last seen on their travels getting hit with a shock 3-1 drumming at the hands of Brighton on September 2nd, it is worth noting that Newcastle have landed just a sole Premier League victory from their previous six showdowns on the road – a run that stems back to April 8th.

Team News

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench after returning from September’s international break, ex-AC Milan star Sandro Tonali should be handed a full recall against his former club here. However, yet to make a single appearance this season, Newcastle will once again be without 24-year-old Joe Willock on Tuesday evening.

Bagging the winner against Brentford over the weekend and recording his third Premier League strike of the season, England international Callum Wilson will be hoping to keep his role in leading Howe’s attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• Including their 5-1 drumming against the Nerazzurri over the weekend, AC Milan have seen each of their previous three Serie A appearances finish with both teams finding the net.
• Despite drawing a line under their three-match losing run as they landed a 1-0 victory against Brentford over the weekend, Newcastle have won just one of their last six Premier League showdowns on the road.
• Likewise, the Magpies have also failed to record a clean sheet from their previous 11 straight Premier League appearances on the road.
• Bagging a consolation strike against Inter over the weekend, Rafael Leao has notched back-to-back Serie A strikes.
• Each of AC Milan’s final six Champions League appearances last season finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Newcastle might have made a crucial return to winning ways over the weekend as they landed a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Brentford, Howe’s men could face a stern challenge here. Although AC Milan might have come under plenty of scrutiny on Saturday as they suffered an infamous 5-1 drumming at the hands of their bitter local rivals, the Italian giants certainly shocked many as they reached the Champions League semi-finals last season. With Newcastle managing to muster just a single victory from any of their previous six Premier League showdowns away from St. James’ Park, we are backing a home double chance on Tuesday evening.

Verdict: AC Milan double chance

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet