Europa League: AC Milan vs. Red Star Belgrade Preview, Odds, Prediction

The two former European and world champions clash tonight at San Siro Stadium. AC Milan hosts Red Star Belgrade in yet another clash of these two sides. The two clubs often met in the European competitions, and they always provided memorable matches. The first leg in Belgrade was one such, ending 2-2, with Red Star leveling the score in the injury time. We saw two canceled goals, a red card, numerous yellow cards, two penalties, pretty much everything one soccer fan wants to see. It seems that the second leg won’t be any less attractive.

Preview

AC Milan (-205) is on a three-match winless streak that started in Spezia, once the newcomers to the Serie A defeated Rosonerri, 2-0. After that came the match in Belgrade, 2-2, and this weekend saw Ibrahimovic and the boys getting dismantled by the archenemies, Inter in Derby Della Madonnina, 0-3.

Not winning this match as well would have serious consequences on Milan. They would lose a chance to win one trophy, which could earn them a direct ticket to the Champions League and suffer a major setback in terms of morale. In the moments when the title race in Serie A reaches its most important stage, that isn’t desirable at all.

Milan’s matches at home are usually one-sided, with just one team scoring. For example, the last five saw such a scenario.

Red Star (+600) is in perfect shape, not losing 19 consecutive events and posting 15 wins during that time. The latest one comes this weekend in the domestic championship, rallying from behind to beat Spartak in Subotica, 1-2.

This is a hard-working side, led by Inter Milan’s former midfielder, Dejan Stankovic, who demands hard work and a tough approach in the midfield. You won’t see too many nice moves in Red Star’s matches, but they will always get a solid result in the end. It is something that Stankovic and Inter did while he appeared for Nerazzurri.

Only three of the past 10 competitive matches this team played on the road saw both sides scoring.

Latest News

Ibrahimovic is expected to start from the first minute and the majority of Milan’s players who were resting in the first match. Bennacer and Mandzukic are out, while Diaz stands as questionable.

Red Star has massive problems in defense where they have two of their starters, Milunovic and Rodic suspended. Also, two of their most creative players, Katai and Ivanic, are doubtful.

Head to Head Matches

Milan never lost to Red Star in four matches so far, having two wins and two draws. They met in the quarterfinals of the European Champions’ Cup in 1989, with both games ending 1-1, but Milan advancing on the penalties. In 2006, Milan eliminated Red Star in the third round of the UCL qualifiers.

Prediction

Milan shouldn’t have any problems here, despite Red Star’s solid form. They were far better in Belgrade without several starters, so a win at San Siro is expected. We would even advise you to bet on Milan’s triumph with a -1.5 handicap, with the odds for that at +100.