Liverpool have already progressed to the next stage, the last 16, as group winners – doing so after winning their first four games in the group stage for the first time in their history.

They can improve upon history further with a 100% record on the line tonight – a win will grant them maximum points from what was dubbed ‘the group of death’ before the competition started.

Milan, on the other hand, are trying to get their season back into top gear after faltering recently in their domestic league, Serie A.

They sit first but results have only improved recently – however, they sit third in the European group.

A win over Atletico Madrid in their last outing saved their chances of qualifying for the last 16 – a win at home to their great rivals, on top of there being a draw in Porto’s match with Atletico Madrid, will confirm that.

Weekend hero Divock Origi is set to be involved for Liverpool after his goal against Wolves on Saturday.

However, vice-captain James Milner will miss out through suspension.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the side fielded by Liverpool will be a rotated one.

AC Milan, meanwhile, are set to be without Ante Rebic, Alessandro Plizzari, Simon Kjaer, Davide Calabria and Olivier Giroud for the 8 pm GMT kick-off.

Teams

Milan – Predicted (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kalulu, Tomori, Romagnoli, Theo; Tonali, Kessié; Messias, Diaz, Krunic; Ibrahimovic.

Subs: Tătăruşanu, Jungdal, Bennacer, Ballo, Florenzi, Maldini, Bakayoko, Gabbia, Saelemakers.

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Williams, Phillips, Konaté, Tsimikas; Morton, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino; Salah, Origi, Mané.

Subs: Kelleher, Davies, Fabinho, Keita, Gomez, Robertson, Matip, Dixon-Bonnar, Bradley, Trent, Norris, Woltman.

Odds

Ac Milan 11/10

Draw 27/10

Liverpool 21/10

Where To Watch

The game will be available to watch on RTÉ 2 from 7:30 pm and LiveScore.

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The two sides will meet in the competition for the first time in 14 years – their last meeting was the final in 2007, in which AC Milan won their seventh European Cup and got revenge on Liverpool for the loss in the final fixture of 2005’s instalment of the tournament.

Liverpool will be looking to mount a strong challenge for the continental crown and equal the Rossoneri’s haul after picking up their sixth in 2019.

The injury crisis of 2020-21 is in the past – Liverpool reached the quarter-finals without several key figures of their squad – but Liverpool will still be without several players for their opening European fixture of the season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will be without Harvey Elliott, who underwent surgery for his dislocated ankle on Tuesday.

This follows the fracture-dislocation to the left ankle he sustained during last weekend’s victory over Leeds United.

Roberto Firmino and Takumi Minamino were both absent at Elland Road on Sunday as they recover from previous issues but no other injury or fitness concerns were raised by Klopp in Tuesday’s press conference.

Furthermore, Minamino was pictured training with the squad at Kirkby on Liverpool’s social media accounts on Tuesday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and on-loan midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko are unavailable for the visitors after they named a 21-man travelling squad for the fixture, with both players absent due to injury.

Lineups

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Trent, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Keita; Jota, Origi, Salah.

Subs: Adrian, Kelleher, Van Dijk, Konate, Thiago, Milner, Mané, Tsimikas, Phillips, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Minamino.

AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Theo H.; Bennacer, Kessie; Saelemakers, Diaz, Leao; Rebic.

Subs: Tatarusanu, Ballo-Touré, Tonali, Giroud, Romagnoli, Kalulu, Florenzi, Maldini, Gabbia, Jungdal.

Odds

Liverpool 2/5

Draw 15/4

AC Milan 11/2

Where To Watch

Liverpool v AC Milan will be available to watch on Virgin Media and BT Sport 2 with kick-off set for 8 pm.

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Alisson and the rest of Jurgen Klopp’s men will face Milan on Wednesday night at Anfield for the first time, 16 years on from the club’s victory in the final.

Alisson watched the match that night and loved the Brazilians on Carlo Ancelotti’s Rossoneri side – Dida, Cafu and Kaka – and the comeback itself.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Anfield Group B opener, Alisson recalled: “Dida was really an influence for me – not only for me but for all the Brazilian goalkeepers.

“The success he had in Europe, in Italy, he was really a role model for all goalkeepers – not only for Brazilians.

“But that game was an unbelievable game. Kaka [was] playing as well. I had the luck to meet them personally, to play together with them, to learn from them personally.

“So, that game was something amazing to see. It’s something amazing to see even now, bringing back the memories.

“I think there are unbelievable memories for all LFC supporters. Those players are an inspiration for me and for all my teammates.”

AC Milan got their revenge on Rafa Benitez’s Merseyside team in the 2007 final when they came away 2-1 winners, winning their seventh European Cup.

The sides have not met since and have both gone through periods of regression and rebuilding in the fourteen years since.

Liverpool won the competition for the sixth time in their history in 2019 at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid after reaching the final the year previous in their first season competition in the tournament since 2014-15.

Milan last qualified for the competition in 2013 and will be making their first appearance in the Champions League since a 4-1 loss to Atletico Madrid at the Spanish side’s old home – the Vicente Calderon (which has since been replaced by the Wanda Metropolitano).

Liverpool will welcome fellow European giants Milan to Anfield at 8 pm on Wednesday, September 15.

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The 18-year-old suffered a dislocated ankle after he got caught underneath the shin of Leeds centre-back Pascal Struijk in the aftermath of a tackle.

Struijk saw red for the challenge but the Yorkshire club are expected to appeal it.

Elliott was in the starting eleven for the third straight game and had impressed in each match but will now spend a period on the sidelines.

The youngster had done well in pre-season and was proving his worth in front of the fans before the injury.

He was expected to make his UEFA Champions League debut against AC Milan at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Club doctor, Dr Jim Moxon – who, along with first-team physiotherapist Chris Morgan, was first on the pitch to treat the midfielder – explained: “Harvey sustained a fracture-dislocation of his left ankle during the game.

“We were able to reduce the dislocation immediately on the pitch and Harvey had surgery today to repair the fracture and ligaments damaged in the incident. The operation was a success so his comeback starts now.

“We won’t put pressure on him by setting a specific timeframe beyond being able to say with confidence we expect him to feature again later in the season following our rehab programme.”

Harvey Elliott shared a post on his Instagram which said: “Operation was a success! Thank you so much to everyone for your amazing support. The road to recovery starts now. At the end of the storm, there’s a golden sky.”

Elliott will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the Reds’ medical team and while he is expected to return to action later this season, no timescale is being placed upon his comeback.

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The meeting between the two European giants will be the first since the competition’s final in 2007 in Athens, where Milan got revenge on Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool for their 2005 loss.

Both sides have seen themselves regress and, in recent years, return to the upper echelons of club football in Europe.

Liverpool added a sixth European Cup to their trophy cabinets in 2019 but are still one shy of Milan’s seven.

Klopp said in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference: “Of course, 2005 I have more in my mind than 2007…I was thinking about not watching the second half…I’m glad I didn’t switch over!

“If you would think of any European battle, then I think Liverpool vs. AC Milan is a must watch! It’s one you want to see.

“It will be a tough game for both sides.”

On top of the fixture making a return, the fans will also return to Anfield for a European fixture.

It will be the first time Anfield has been allowed fans for such a fixture since the infamous Champions League round of 16 second-leg against Atletico Madrid in March 2020.

Then, the coronavirus pandemic took hold and a lockdown was put in place – fans did not return to Anfield for any of Liverpool’s fixtures in the competition in 2020/21.

Liverpool’s stadium is famous for its atmosphere, especially on European nights and Klopp is happy to see fans make a return.

“It was a long time ago we had a Champions League game at home, now the opportunity to experience again the atmosphere Anfield is able to produce.

“We spoke a lot in the past, rightly so, about the European nights at Anfield and I cannot wait to experience that now! It will be great and I’m really looking forward to it!”

Liverpool host AC Milan in the first of six group stage games for the side in Group B of the UEFA Champions League. The match will kick-off at 8 pm.

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Antonio Conte first signed the French midfielder from AS Monaco after what was a great season. In a squad that included Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho, and Bernardo Silva they reached the Champions League semi-final.

Although Fabinho stole the headlines in the center of midfield his partner Bakayoko was still very highly rated. Even though he signed for Chelsea in 2017, he has not played a competitive match for the club since 2018.

Three managers and plenty of loan moves later and it is clear that he has no future in Stamford Bridge. Along with Ross Barkley and Danny Drinkwater, Bakayoko has not even been handed a squad number for the year at Chelsea.

2017 Monaco was full of talent   pic.twitter.com/f8FVsQRQDQ

— Serie A on Paramount+ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 14, 2020

One club that he rekindled some form with was Italian giants AC Milan a few years ago. Milan are looking to loan the player again as they push for Champions League football in Italy.

Even though his contract runs out at the end of the season, Chelsea do not look likely to sell the player. Instead, they will use a contract extension clause to prolong his stay till 2023.

This move could make the Blues between €1 million and €1.5 million with an option to buy next summer. Bakayoko is still estimated to be worth €15 million, hitting his prime at 27 years old.

#Tuttosport: The official and final offer for #Bakayoko has been sent to #Chelsea. The green light for his comeback is expected very soon. pic.twitter.com/4vUt7Y2OWC

— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) August 25, 2021

Chelsea will want to look elsewhere for their next center midfield option. The club has been heavily linked with a move for Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid.

The Blues will have to continue to battle with Manchester United for the Spanish workhorse’s signature. It will be an expensive move with the Madrid club wanting nothing less than €60 million to let go of the player

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Football clubs are businesses, that’s a fact. The owners of these clubs strive to maintain a profitable model while competing at a top level year after year. However, without fans, none of this would be possible. This makes it all the more frustrating when you consider that fans are routinely pushed aside when it comes to interests regarding the football clubs they support.

The last few years have seen unprecedented levels of greed from many football club owners, particularly those competing in the top 5 European leagues. This has resulted in plans for a so-called “European Super League”, a competition which contains 12 of Europe’s top clubs, has no promotion or relegation and was formulated purely to protect the financial interests of the club’s involved.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the clubs in question.

Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all rejected/opposed invitations to the competition.

“The club wants to implement the planned reform of the UEFA Champions League. The plans to found a Super League have been rejected… Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund had 100% identical views,” expressed Dortmund in an official statement made earlier today.

UEFA also completely oppose the plans put in place, even going as far to say that heavy sanctions will be imposed on clubs and players who take part in the competition.

“We are all united against this nonsense of a project… The players that will play in the closed league will be banned from playing in the World Cup and Euros,” confirmed UEFA president Alex Ceferin.

HOW FOOTBALLERS HAVE REACTED TO THE PLAN

The majority of football fans are completely against the formation of the European Super League and that extends to current and ex-pros, as well.

Several pundits made their opinions on the project clear yesterday, including Gary Neville who made a passionate argument against the formation of the competition.

“I’m disgusted, absolutely disgusted. I’m disgusted with Manchester United and Liverpool the most,” said Neville while appearing on Sky Sports yesterday.

“Liverpool say they’re the people’s club. ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, the fans’ club. Manchester United, 100 years, born from workers around here, and they’re breaking into a league without competition. It’s an absolute disgrace.”

Paris Saint-Germain footballer Ander Herrera was one of the first current pros to chime in with their opinion. He released a statement earlier today expressing concerns over the league.

pic.twitter.com/C9zV59zJxH

— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) APRIL 19, 2021

A number of footballers have since followed Herrera in publicly stating their opposition to the plan.

Kids grow up dreaming to win the World Cup and the Champions League – not any Super League. The enjoyment of big games is that they only happen once or twice a year, not every week. Really hard to understand for all football fans out there…

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) April 19, 2021

‘Dreams can’t be bought’

Bruno Fernandes shared this post from Portugal team-mate Daniel Podence on his Instagram story pic.twitter.com/aIHhUHZ53i

— Goal (@goal) April 19, 2021

pic.twitter.com/A8WIIUCHrH

— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) April 20, 2021

| "I don't like it and I hope it doesn't happen."

James Milner speaks out against the proposed breakaway European Super League…#MNF pic.twitter.com/NkMmNJhiyA

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2021

Jordan Henderson has called a meeting of all the Premier League captains in response to the Super League announcement, reports @MikeKeegan_DM pic.twitter.com/Q2YkUCuIrV

— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 20, 2021

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Highly touted Italian/Ivorian prospect Amad Diallo scored his first Manchester United senior goal this evening in a 1-1 draw with AC Milan.

Diallo came on as a substitute at half-time and it didn’t take long for him to make his mark. He latched onto a Bruno Fernandes lofted through ball after a good run and produced a fantastic header which found the back of the net.

He’s known for his quick feet, agility and passing ability but his goal this evening demonstrated his intelligence and off the ball ability, as well.

AC Milan would have been slightly unlucky to end up on the losing side considering their performance. They managed to find the back of the net twice through Rafael Leão and Franck Kessié in the first half, however both goals were disallowed for various reasons.

They managed to get their goal in the end, though, as Simon Kjær scored a bullet header in the dying embers of added time.

Diallo arrived at Manchester United in January but up until now he’s had to contend with limited first-team minutes.

The two sides are set to meet next Thursday to play out the second leg which will decide who advances to the quarter finals.

AC Milan will feel confident going into the tie given this evening’s result. They also have the advantage of playing at their home ground, the San Siro.

RESULTS

Wins for Villarreal and Ajax
All level in Prague and Manchester

Best performance? #UEL

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 11, 2021

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Current Cork City youth footballer and Ireland u15 international Cathal Heffernan is set to go on a series of trials in Italy, namely at Juventus, AC Milan, Roma and Atalanta.

The son of Irish Olympians Rob and Marian Heffernan, Cathal comes from fine sporting background.

Heffernan has impressed at underage level for Ireland, helping his side to impressive wins over England, Poland and a number of other nations.

Heffernan isn’t the only Irish international in his age range to attract interest from Italy in recent months. Shamrock Rovers wonderkid is reportedly set to sign for Inter Milan having attracted interest from a number of European clubs over the past year, however nothing has been officially announced as of yet.

Post-Brexit regulations means Irish footballers under the age of 18 are unable to sign for British clubs, however that is not the case for other European countries. Due to this, it’s highly likely that other Irish underage players will follow in the footsteps of Heffernan and Zefi in taking a non-traditional route in pursuit of a career in football.

The very best of luck to DCSFC star Cathal Heffernan as heads to Italy for training with @juventusfcen @acmilan @ASRomaEN & @Atalanta_BC

A brilliant opportunity for Cathal who is a credit to his School, his club Cork City and his family. pic.twitter.com/V3h4VnSoMp

— DCS Sport (@DCSSport) MARCH 8, 2021

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Despite his ripe age – in footballing terms – Zlatan Ibrahimović is showing no sign of slowing down. The legendary striker has scored 10 league goals in just 6 games this season, propelling his side to the top of the Serie A.

Once one of Europe’s elite clubs, AC Milan’s fear factor has dwindled in recent years after a barren spell of domestic mediocrity. In fact, the Rossoneri have not won a league title since the 2010-11 season. A season where Zlatan played his part as he scored 14 league goals whilst on loan from FC Barcelona.

10 years on and Zlatan is back at the helm, having joined on a free transfer in December 2019. Initially the striker joined on a six-month contract. After some impressive displays, though, his contract was extended until the summer of 2021.

After years of domestic failure, can AC Milan finally finish as champions?

Ibrahimović’s goalscoring form has helped reinvigorate AC Milan this season, thus far. His performances in October helped him secure Serie A player of the month. He continued that form into November with equally impressive displays. He scored a brace yesterday as Milan overcame a strong Napoli side to top the league. Unfortunately, though, the striker was forced off towards the end of the game with an apparent hamstring injury. The severity of the injury is yet to be confirmed. However, Initial reports suggest the talismanic figure may miss weeks of action.

Milan will be forced to rely on their other striking options in the absence of Ibrahimović. His return will be a welcome one, but Milan will hope his absence can be filled appropriately.

Despite the season only being in it’s early stages, some have tipped Milan for the league title. The performances of Zlatan have no doubt been helped by his teammates. A number of other Milan players have also been ever-present this season. Ismaël Bennacer, Theo Hernández and Sandro Tonali are just some of the many examples of talent within the current AC Milan camp.

Ibrahimović, of course, has a wealth of title winning experience under his belt, particularly in the Serie A. He has an impressive collection of Serie A titles while playing for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus*.

* indicates revocation of titles due to match fixing.

In total, the striker has won 10 league titles over his career in 6 different countries. He’ll be hoping to add that collection this season by helping Milan to a title that has been so evasive over the years.

The search for European football’s ultimate prize

In his illustrious career, Zlatan has won trophies that the average footballer can only dream of. One trophy that has evaded him, however, is the UEFA Champions League. Unfortunately, there is no chance of the striker claiming that trophy this season with Milan competing in the Europa League.

Saying that, this AC Milan team is clearly a team with lofty ambitions. The addition of their summer signings along with their previous roster makes up one of the strongest Milan sides in recent years. They’re well on the way to a top 4 finish so far, which would mean a Champions League spot. Although it would be an enormous challenge, with good recruitment and guidance the Italian giants may have an outside chance of winning the competition next season.

Obviously, for him to even have a chance of winning the Champions League with Milan, Ibrahimović would have to extend his contract with the club. If he can maintain his form and avoid further injuries, a renewal would almost be certain, barring retirement. Despite his age, a retirement would be unlikely, though. The Swedish striker only recently considered an international return, a request which was turned down by Sweden manager Janne Andersson.

Time will tell what happens in the coming years. One thing that is certain, though, is Ibrahimović’s status as one of the greatest to play the game.

Timeless pic.twitter.com/pMSMKcavhC

— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) NOVEMBER 23, 2020

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