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Match Preview
UEFA
Champions League: Newcastle United vs AC Milan
Kickoff
Time: 2023-12-14 04:00(HKT)
Source:
REUTERS/PAUL CHILDS
In the
Premier League last weekend, Newcastle United suffered a 1-4 defeat away to
Tottenham Hotspur, marking their second consecutive league loss. However, the
focus now shifts to their performance in the Champions League. Currently,
Newcastle sit in third place in their group with five points, trailing
second-placed Paris Saint-Germain by two points. In the final group stage
match, Newcastle must secure a victory while also keeping an eye on the outcome
of another game. If Paris Saint-Germain draws or loses their match, Newcastle
will have a chance to advance to the next round. Newcastle typically employ a
4-3-3 formation and excels in high-intensity pressing to win possession. They
often launch their attacks through the wings, utilizing the speed and skill of
their players. Their players possess excellent running ability, enabling them
to apply strong pressure on their opponents in the midfield and attacking
areas.
AC Milan
faced a disappointing 2-3 defeat to Atalanta in the Serie A last weekend, which
dealt a blow to their morale. In the Champions League, AC Milan currently share
five points with Newcastle United but sit at the bottom of the group due to a
goal difference disadvantage. The situation for AC Milan and Newcastle is quite
similar, and AC Milan still have a chance to advance in the competition. AC
Milan typically employ high-pressing tactics in most of their games. However,
their pressing intensity has been insufficient, particularly when it comes to
defending the front of the penalty area. Additionally, they lack players with
excellent interception abilities in their defensive line, leading to
vulnerabilities in their defense. As a result, AC Milan’s defensive
performances have been inconsistent, leaving them susceptible to conceding
goals.
The overall
strength of Newcastle United and AC Milan can be considered evenly matched.
However, there seems to be a performance gap between the two teams when playing
at home and away. Newcastle have been particularly strong at home, winning
eight out of their last nine home games with only one loss. Their home form is
quite impressive. On the other hand, AC Milan have struggled on their travels,
managing only two draws and two losses in their last four away games. Their
away performances have been noticeably weaker. Considering the disparity in
home and away records, Newcastle, who will have the advantage of playing at
home in the upcoming match, appear to be worth keeping an eye on.
Newcastle
United’s Last 5 Games: LLWDW
23-12-11
Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 Newcastle United
23-12-08
Everton 3-0 Newcastle United
23-12-03
Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Newcastle United
23-11-25
Newcastle United 4-1 Chelsea
AC Milan’s
Last 5 Games: LWLWD
23-12-10
Atalanta 3-2 AC Milan
23-12-03 AC
Milan 3-1 Frosinone
23-11-29 AC
Milan 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
23-11-26 AC
Milan 1-0 Fiorentina
23-11-11
Lecce 2-2 AC Milan
Head To Head
Record:
23-09-20 AC
Milan 0-0 Newcastle United
Prediction: Newcastle United to win