AC MILAN VS : LIVERPOOL: PREVIEW

Liverpool travel to the iconic San Siro tomorrow night for their final group game in the Champions League. The Reds are already through as group winners having won every game so far, whilst Milan lie third and need to win, whilst hoping the result in the group’s other game goes their way. We preview the game.

It is impressive just how dominant Liverpool have been in group B, with Jürgen Klopp’s men making mockery of the ‘group of death’ tag. They’ve won every single one of their five games so far, scoring more goals (15) than Porto, Milan and Atletico Madrid combined (12).

It is truly ridiculous how easy they’ve made it look. Their five wins is also more than the other three teams combined have managed (3), with their points tally (15) also putting the three teams (13) to shame. It’s the best group stage campaign the club has ever had, and it underlines the sheer quality of this current side.

No English side has ever won six out of six in the group phase of the continent’s premium competition, and whilst the manager would love to break yet another record, he’s likely to manage the minutes of his regular starters. The festive schedule is unforgiving, and any chance to rest a few players will be taken with glee.

Having used the same lineup for both the Merseyside derby and the last gasp win at Wolves, Jürgen Klopp is likely to make more than a few changes to his side for this one, with nothing on the line bar pride and prize money. With this being the biggest game of Milan’s season, the manager will be wary of picking too weak a team.

Aston Villa and the return of Steven Gerrard on Saturday is the bigger game of the week in all honesty. With the Reds moving up to second, a point off City who now lead the way, eyes will remain on a tight league title race. Milan at the San Siro isn’t a fixture that comes around every year though.

This is the first time most of this squad and indeed the manager, have had the opportunity to play at the famous stadium and it is one not to be sniffed at. They come into this fixture off the back of five straight wins and will want to maintain momentum no matter how little is actually riding on the outcome.

Pioli’s men won’t have any such mixed feelings towards the encounter however. The match is as must win as must wins get. The Rossoneri are also embroiled in a three way battle for the Scuddetto and currently sit top, a point clear of defending champions and cross town rivals Inter, and two ahead of Napoli.

Back to back wins against Genoa and Salernitana have seen Milan capitalise on Napoli’s slip ups to go top. Europe has been harder to crack for the Rossoneri, with no wins in their first four group games complicating efforts to qualify for the knockout stages. Victory in Madrid last time out has given them a lifeline however.

They come into this clash with a chance. Victory here and Porto – Atleti ending in a draw, will see them through. Should Atleti beat Porto, then Milan will have to match the margin of victory to sail through as runners-up. Should Porto defeat the Spanish champions however, Milan will be consigned to elimination.

They will be demoted to the Europa League (should they avoid a heavier defeat than Atleti) with a third placed finish. The permutations don’t even end there. We should see a dramatic night of football with all three teams below the Reds potentially staring at qualification at one point or the other during the match.

Team News

For Liverpool, Elliott, Jones and Firmino remain out injured, whilst James Milner is suspended. Joe Gomez and Naby Keita are back fit and should get minutes. For Milan, Kjaer, Calabria, Rebic, Giroud, Castillejo and Rafael Leao are all out. Theo Hernandez is expected to be available however after missing training with a cold.

Key Players

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The enigmatic Swede keeps defying father time to lead the line for this young Milan side. Having turned 40 two months ago, he shows no signs of slowing down. Zlatan has netted 6 goals and provided 1 assist in 9 Serie A appearances this season. He remains the man for the big occasion and will carry the threat for Pioli’s men.

Theo Hernandez

The 24 year old has again been key for Milan this season. He’s the creative hub of this team and has registered 1 goal and 6 assists in 15 appearances, creating 24 chances along the way. His overlapping runs will be crucial to Milan’s attacking weaponry, and with Salah likely to be rested, he’ll have freedom to bomb on.

Divock Origi

Fresh off another crucial late goal, the Belgian will come into this with confidence. He’s likely to start here and will look to add to the 4 goals and 2 assists he’s managed in just 9 appearances this season. He started against Milan in the Anfield encounter and provided the assist to make it 2-2. He will look to make an impact again here.