Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | UEFA Champions League, January 29, 2025

Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan Preview

• Competition: UEFA Champions League.
• Date: Wednesday, January 29.
• Time: 8:00 PM GMT.
• Venue: Stadion Maksimir.

Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan will take place at the Stadion Maksimir in the late kick-off slot in the Champions League on January 29 in the final round of group matches.

The hosts will enter this match in 26^th place with eight points, two off the qualification spots. They know a win can still take them through to the next round. However, their recent form makes it seem unreachable as they have won just twice in their last five games, drawing twice and losing once. They have scored nine goals and conceded eight in this run, and won their last outing 3-1 against Istra, which will give them confidence for the next match.

Milan, on the other hand, are sixth in the table with 15 points from their seven matches so far. A draw would virtually be enough to send them through via the top eight, but they will look for a win regardless. With three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five matches, avoiding defeat seems like an easy task at this point. They defeated Girona 1-0 in their last outing in the competition and will look to pick up where they left off.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.

Dinamo Zagreb Team News

Manager Fabio Cannavaro fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match and most of the players, especially the defenders, played at a high level. The manager also used all five substitutes as he looked to rotate his team well. They had no new injuries or suspensions.

However, they will be without three players for their next match. Bruno Petkovic (muscle), Kevin Theophile-Catherine (achilles tendon) and Petar Sucic (foot) will miss out as they continue to recover from their injuries.

AC Milan Team News

Manager Sergio Conceicao fielded a strong lineup in his team’s narrow 1-0 win against Girona in their last match. Rafael Leao scored the only goal, as the defence and goalkeeper performed well. He used four substitutes, with Emerson Royal looking doubtful for the next one with a knock.

Alessandro Florenzi (cruciate ligament), Emerson Royal (muscle), Malick Thiaw (muscle) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (hamstring) will all miss out as they continue to recover.

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Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan Predicted Lineups

Dinamo Zagreb Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1):

Goalkeeper: Ivan Nevistic.

Defenders: Stefan Ristovski, Samy Mmaee, Raul Torrente, Bartol Franjic.

Midfielders: Josip Misic, Luka Stojkovic, Martin Baturina (C).

Forwards: Arber Hoxha, Marko Pjaca, Sandro Kulenovic.

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

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan (C).

Defenders: Davide Calabria, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez.

Midfielders: Ismael Bennacer, Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders.

Forwards: Yunus Musah, Rafael Leao, Alvaro Morata.

Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have faced off in the Champions League just two seasons ago, playing two games in the group stages. AC Milan defeated Dinamo Zagreb on both occasions, winning with an aggregate scoreline of 7-1.

Key Players to Watch

Sandro Kulenovic (Dinamo Zagreb)

The striker has been the top contributor for his team in the Champions League this season with three goals, which have come from just 1.54 xG, meaning he has performed well. He has attempted eight shots on target from 19 attempts in his last five matches and has scored one goal.

Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

Leao has been his team’s top player in the Champions League so far this season. He has scored three goals at 2.04 xG, meaning he has converted his chances with good efficiency. However, his assist has come from 1.37 xA, meaning his teammates need to do better to convert them. Leao has completed nine successful take-ons in his last five matches and has also attempted three shots on target, scoring one goal.

Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan Prediction

Going by past records, AC Milan will have the clear upper hand as they have secured comfortable wins over Dinamo Zagreb in the past. Their recent form also suggests the same, but playing away from home will be tough and they will have to step up to secure a win.

Predicted Score: Dinamo Zagreb 1-2 AC Milan

Where to Watch Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan Live?

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