The group stage of the UEFA Champions League continues: Slovan Bratislava hosts seven-time European champions AC Milan at the Tehelne Pole stadium on Tuesday evening.
With Milan looking for their third consecutive win in the competition and Slovan still searching for their first points, it promises to be an exciting encounter.
Game preview
Slovan Bratislava are making their Champions League debut this season, but so far it has been a sobering experience. They are one of five teams yet to pick up a single point and sit bottom of the group with a goal difference of -13.
Despite their domestic dominance Vladimir Weiss The team struggled to adapt to the rigors of Europe’s premier club competition.
In contrast, AC Milan have recovered from a slow start to the Champions League. After the defeat against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, the Rossoneri have achieved impressive victories over Club Brugge and reigning champions Real Madrid.
Paulo Fonsecas For the men, it will be all about maintaining their resurgent form and taking an important step towards a place in the knockout rounds.
Slovan Bratislava’s domestic form has been relatively strong, with just one defeat in 17 games this season. However, their performances in the Champions League have been a different story as they have lost all four of their group stage games 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 just eight of their last 25 games in all competitions. Their mixed domestic results, which include a 0-0 draw against Juventus and a 3-3 draw against Cagliari, are in stark contrast to their impressive performances in the Champions League.
The Rossoneri will be keen to build on their recent successes and consolidate 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 teams previously faced each other in a qualifier for the inaugural Champions League in 1992, with the Italian giants emerging victorious in the overall standings.
Team news
Slovan Bratislava will be able to welcome back Kevin Wimmer and Juraj Kucka after the international break.
However, they will still be without several first-team regulars as they look to secure their first Champions League points.
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 side, supported by the in-form Rafael Leao and Tijjani Reijnders.
Slovak 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
forecast
Despite Slovan Bratislava’s impressive domestic form, their Champions League struggles against a resurgent AC Milan are unlikely to end.
The Rossoneri’s quality and experience will likely be too much for the Slovakian champions and they will be expected to claim a comfortable victory.
- Result prediction: Slovan Bratislava – AC Milan 0:4
Betting tips
– AC Milan wins
– Over 2.5 goals
– Alvaro Morata can score at any time