Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Champions League, October 1, 2024

Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Preview

• Tournament: Champions League
• Date: Wednesday, Oct 1
• Kick-off Time: 08:00 pm GMT
• Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen host AC Milan at the BayArena on Tuesday for their second game of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League season, looking to build on their winning start. The Bundesliga champions had crushed Dutch side Feyenoord 4-0 on the road a few weeks ago on matchday one, making a big statement.

Florian Wirtz fired a brace while Alejandro Grimaldo weighed in with a goal too before Timon Wellenreuther struck an own goal as Xabi Alonso’s side ran riot in the opening stanza. They took their feet off the pedal after the break but their hapless hosts had no spirit left to try and claw their way back into the tie.

With such a resounding victory under their belt, Leverkusen are in third position of the Champions League table right now, behind local rivals Bayern Munich and Celtic on goal-difference. At the weekend, their three-game winning run came to an end, but that was courtesy of a 1-1 draw away to Bayern in the Bundesliga.

On the other hand, Milan are peaking right before their clash with Leverkusen. Last weekend, they pulled off a sensational 2-1 win over city rivals Inter Milan in the Serie A, before a convincing 3-0 victory over Lecce. For the first time this season, the Rossoneri have won back-to-back games and will aim to channel this spirit onto the European stage too.

Their first game of the league phase ended in a 3-1 loss to Liverpool, despite going in front after only three minutes into the kick-off. Christian Pulisic had given them a great start at the San Siro, but goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai turned the tie around on its head.

Bayer Leverkusen Team News

Head coach Xabi Alonso is most likely to retain the XI that faced Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga this weekend. That means another start for Granit Xhaka in midfield, whereas Robert Andrich is looking to keep his place in the XI after netting over the weekend against Bayern. Florian Wirtz is another sure-fire starter.

AC Milan Team News

The Rossoneri are nursing quite a few injuries right now, with Alessandro Florenzi currently out with an ACL injury, Ismael Bennacer down with an ankle issue and Davide Calabria struggling with a muscle problem. Marco Sportiello has a knock to his hand. But on the bright side, Christian Pulisic is breathing fire at the moment, and the American is looking to score in his third consecutive appearance in the Champions League.

Also Read: Dortmund vs Celtic Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Champions League, October 1, 2024

Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Predicted Lineups

Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky

Defenders: Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapie

Midfielders: Jeremie Frimpong, Robert Andrich, Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo

Forwards: Martin Terrier, Florian Wirtz; Victor Boniface

AC Milan Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan

Defenders: Emerson, Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Theo Hernandez;

Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders

Forwards: Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Rafael Leao; Tammy Abraham

Head-To-Head Record

The sides meet for the first time in the Champions League.

Key Player To Watch in Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan

Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Built for these big nights, Florian Wirtz relishes the prospect of playing in Europe. He netted twice against Feyenoord in their opening day win and has been directly involved in 24 of their last 26 starts in Europe. He will undoubtedly be the single biggest threat coming from the hosts.

Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)

If Leverkusen have Wirtz, then Milan have Pulisic. The ‘Captain America’ has been on fire this season, netting five goals from seven appearances in all competitions, including against Liverpool in their opening-day loss. Since joining from Chelsea last year, the forward has been a revelation for the Rossoneri, displaying imperious attacking intent and an eye for goal.

Bayer Leverkusen vs AC Milan Prediction

Expect a tense but engaging contest between two in-form sides. Bayer Leverkusen will be the favorites here since they are at home, but Milan are getting into form lately, and should be able to give them a tough fight here.

Predicted Score: Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 AC Milan (Watch Live)

Also Read: Benfica vs Atletico Madrid Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Champions League, October 1, 2024

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