Champions League: Newcastle in Milan for a European Bow

AC Milan vs Newcastle United

Champions League: AC Milan vs Newcastle United, now how does that sound for all you Magpies out there? It was the stuff of dreams not so long ago but now, after a fourth placed finish in the 2022/2023 Premier League, it is a reality.

Milan and Newcastle have been drawn in the toughest group of the lot, alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund in Group F. At SBOTOP odds of 1.80 to escape the group the Magpies are under pressure to succeed, while I Rossoneri, at a price of 2.20, will believe they have a point to make.

And remember; Dortmund are no mugs!

So this may be the first game for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle in Europe, but it’s a crucially important one as a win either way will give the victors a huge advantage, both practically and mentally. Milan are old hands at this game, having won the European crown seven times; only Real Madrid have won more; and Stefano Pioli is a hugely experienced coach who led Milan to the 2021/22 Italian league title.

The AC Milan vs Newcastle United betting odds give the hosts an edge; but whatever the outcome it will be a night to remember for the Geordies.      

Talking Points

Derby Humiliation may sting Milan into action 

The Derbi Di Milano is always one of the biggest dates in the European football calendar but it turned into a nightmare for Pioli’s team as I Nerazzurri rattled in five goals with only one in return for AC Milan as Rafael Leao scored early in the second half to make it 2-1. But I Rossoneri collapsed to concede another three; they had more possession at 60 per cent but their city rivals were much more clinical in front of goal.

Milan only registered two shots on target and with a front three of Leao, who is sure to make a big contribution to the AC Milan vs Newcastle United highlights, Christian Pulisic and Olivier Giroud, that is a disappointing return and something Pioli will be keen to put right against the Magpies. He refused to apologise to Milan’s angry fans after their fifth consecutive defeat to Inter, saying: “Do you think we lost 5-1 to Inter on purpose and lose the derby? We are disappointed, just as the fans were. You should only apologise when you do something wrong on purpose.” Then he turned his attention to Newcastle as he said: “The important thing now is to prepare for the Champions League. My team is mature and will be able to analyse what went wrong so we can do better on Tuesday. There is certainly no risk of psychological blowback.” 

Tonali to face his old mates

Tuesday will be a huge night for Newcastle United’s 23 year old midfielder Sandro Tonali, after he moved from AC Milan to St James Park in a £55m deal in the summer transfer window. Tonali was a popular figure at the San Siro, a defensive midfielder who scored seven goals in 70 appearances, and Howe believes he and fellow midfielder Bruno Guimaraes have the X-Factor. Tonali made an explosive start with the Magpies, scoring the opener in a 5-1 victory over Aston Villa and he would love to grab his second for the club on Tuesday night.     

Newcastle come into the game on the back of a grubby 1-0 win over Brentford, thanks to a hotly contested penalty converted by Callum Wilson, while their last away game, a trip to Brighton was a chastening experience as they were thumped 3-1 to the Seagulls.

The Magpies will be without another midfield ace, Joelinton, who had a recurrence of a knee injury playing for Brazil and he will sit this one out.

History

This is the first time these two teams have met and, even though Newcastle United are without a league title since 1927 and without a major trophy since they won the FA Cup in, they are now one of the richest sports organisations on the planet.

Milan have the history and the recent success and they have also made a stronger start to the season. Pioli’s team has five wins from six, while Newcastle have won three and lost three of their last six games; and I Rossoneri have won their last five games on home soil.

Betting Tip

Milan are marginal favourites to win this tie at odds of 2.32, while Newcastle are priced at 2.55 and the Draw is at 3.11.

This should be a tight game and, for an alternative bet, you can go for AC Milan -0.25 at a price of 2.16 or Newcastle +0.25 at 1.74. But I’m sticking my neck out on a home win by the odd goal in three.  

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.