The UEFA Champions League group stage continues as Slovan Bratislava welcome seven-time European champions AC Milan to the Stadion Tehelne Pole on Tuesday evening.
With Milan seeking a third straight win in the competition and Slovan still searching for their first points, it promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Match Preview
Slovan Bratislava are making their Champions League debut this season, but it has been a chastening experience so far. They are one of five teams yet to pick up a single point, sitting bottom of the group with a goal difference of -13.
Despite their domestic dominance, Vladimir Weiss’s side have struggled to adapt to the rigors of Europe’s premier club competition.
In contrast, AC Milan have bounced back from a slow start to their Champions League campaign. After losing to Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, the Rossoneri have recorded impressive victories over Club Brugge and reigning champions Real Madrid.
Paulo Fonseca’s men will be aiming to maintain their resurgent form and take a significant step towards securing a place in the knockout stages.
Slovan Bratislava’s domestic form has been relatively strong, with just one defeat in 17 matches this season. However, their Champions League performances have been a different story, as they have lost all four of their group stage fixtures so far.
The Sky Blues will be desperate to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat in Europe’s premier club competition.
Milan’s form has been somewhat erratic, with the Italians winning only eight of their last 25 matches in all competitions. Their mixed domestic results, which include a 0-0 draw against Juventus and a 3-3 draw with Cagliari, have been in stark contrast to their impressive Champions League showings.
The Rossoneri will be keen to build on their recent triumphs and cement their position in the top eight.
Head-to-Head
This will be the second meeting between Slovan Bratislava and AC Milan in European competition. The two sides previously faced off in a qualifying tie for the inaugural Champions League in 1992, with the Italian giants emerging victorious on aggregate.
Team News
Slovan Bratislava will welcome back Kevin Wimmer and Juraj Kucka following the international break.
However, they will still be without several first-team regulars as they aim to secure their first points in the Champions League.
Milan, on the other hand, will have almost their entire squad available, with the exception of long-term absentees Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi.
Alvaro Morata is expected to lead the line, supported by the in-form Rafael Leao and Tijjani Reijnders.
Slovan Bratislava: Takac, Medvedev, Bajric, Wimmer, Vojtko, Ihnatenko, Barseghyan, Szoke, Gajdos, Mak, Strelec
AC Milan: Maignan, Hernandez, Thiaw, Gabbia, Royal, Fofana Musah, Reijnders, Leao, Pulisic, Morata
Prediction
Despite Slovan Bratislava’s impressive domestic form, their Champions League struggles are unlikely to end against a resurgent AC Milan side.
The Rossoneri’s quality and experience should prove too much for the Slovakian champions, and they are tipped to secure a comfortable victory.
- Score Prediction: Slovan Bratislava 0-4 AC Milan
Betting Tips
– AC Milan to win
– Over 2.5 goals
– Alvaro Morata to score anytime
