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Liverpool host AC Milan, although both teams have made a brilliant start to their respective league seasons so far.
2 – Liverpool and AC Milan have only met twice in European competitions, both of which have made it to the final of the UEFA Champions League (victory in 2005, defeat in 2007). Giants. pic.twitter.com/RrBr2z09WB
– OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 26, 2021
The Reds won three and won the other a draw, as Jürgen Klopp and Co. want to be an early pacemaker. Mo Salaha scored 100 goals in the Premier League over the weekend and continued his fearsome partnership with Sadio Mane at the helm.
Big Joel Matip
That’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/jDnGEzkZTc
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 13, 2021
With the return of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, the defense was so far airtight from the open game. While there are many comments on their lack of spending in the transfer window, they have all of their basics covered which will undoubtedly give them confidence to be the first to win a difficult encounter.
A busy day in our training kit from the new @pumafootball International Cup Collection 💪🆕
Al lavoro indossando il nostro kit alleamento della nuova collezione PUMA International Cup#LiverpoolMilan #UCL #SemperMailand @BitMEX pic.twitter.com/rolkt2cb5E
– AC Milan (@acmilan) September 13, 2021
Stefano Pioli’s men were brilliant in the backend of last season and kept that dynamic. With three wins out of three and only one goal conceded, they currently lead the Serie A table. Her ability to continually harass her opponents and attack at breakneck speed was hugely successful.
First game and first goal of the season for Zlatan Ibrahimović. 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/EkgiCK4vHx
– UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 12, 2021
The return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored a goal at the weekend, is a big boost to their attack while Mike Maignan has shown himself to be a capable replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma in defense.
TEAM NEWS
Harvey Elliott suffered a terrible ankle injury against Leeds that will knock him out in the coming months. Jordan Henderson came on for the youngster and will as well as continue during the week.
We can confirm that Harvey Elliott was discharged from the hospital after sustaining a serious ankle injury in today’s game at Leeds United.
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 12, 2021
PROBABLE LINE-UP: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Mane, salah, iota
Tiemoue Bakayoko, who was racially insulted, was replaced with an obvious ankle injury just 13 minutes after his substitution against Lazio. Ibrahimovic seems sure to start.
📰 MN: Bakayoko is again racially insulted by Lazio fans – the latest on his injuryhttps: //t.co/nkj4tjlv3J #SemperMailand
– SemperMailand (@SempreMailandCom) September 12, 2021
PROBABLE LINE-UP: Mainan; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Hernandez; Kessie, Tonali; Rebic, Diaz, Leao; Ibrahimovic
GAME CHANGER
Aside from the dispute over his position, there is no doubt how good a creator Trent Alexander-Arnold is right now. He has already made 20 chances, including four goalscoring chances (both are high in the league) and two assists. In addition, he was also involved in 28 shot creation actions, which is not surprising given his high skill level.
📊 STAT: Trent Alexander-Arnold recorded his 35th Premier League assist today at the age of 22 years and 340 days. #awlive [opta] pic.twitter.com/MXuzzq8kRQ
– Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) September 12, 2021
His on-target flank precision and standard acumen mean that Milan will be very conscious not to let him roam free. Alexander-Arnold’s freedom of position from the entire midfield and the right flank does not make it so easy. His fast pace and ability to find pass holes to fend off attackers are increasingly important against a formidable defense.
Trent Alexander-Arnold with the most chances in the Premier League this season #Liverpoolfc
📸 @ lfcdzn11 pic.twitter.com/Ef6j2tiPEj
– Everything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) September 6, 2021
Although the big Swede is at full speed, it is the player behind him who can prove to be an X-factor. Brahim Diaz is at home in Italy and has quickly become an integral part of the line-up. He has a pass rate of 89%, which increases to 94% over short and medium distances.
📅 #On this day @Brahim Diaz moves to AC Milan
👕 41 appearances
⚽️ 08 goals
🎯 05 assists pic.twitter.com/p7lNcobzsw– Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) September 3, 2021
Diaz’s influential role is evident as he has already been involved in seven shooting and three goals. Given that Liverpool love to play, there will be spaces for Diaz to use, especially during the breaks. His low center of gravity and fast movement make his markers careful to challenge him, and with runners next to him he can either drop the ball or just shoot himself.
PREDICTION
Both teams started off strong and this will be a difficult duel on paper. The early swing of the game will surely help determine the winner. FootTheBall predicts a 2-1 win for Liverpool.
