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AC Milan started the previous Champions League campaign with a disappointing 0-0 home draw against Anderlecht and the way things were going for them in the summer break, this season didn’t look to start better.
The italians had to deal with a lot of injuries in the training camp, their form was really bad and the defense was horrible. Well, things have changed in just one month. The hosts played great to easily dispatch PSV in the playoffs (3-0 at home) and despite the fact that in the league they have 4 points in 3 games, they looked very sharp up-front. The defense is one thing that still holds this team back, as well as the squad problems. Milan is decimated by injuries: El Shaarawy, Montolivo, Kaka, Abate, De Sciglio, Silvestre, Bonera and Pazzini are out and Poli is doubtful.
Milan: Abbiati; Zapata, Mexes, Zaccardo, Emanuelson; Muntari, De Jong, Nocerino, Poli; Robinho, Balotelli
Celtic is one of the worst teams in Champions League history when playing on the road. They never won away in the Champions League and had 11 consecutive losses in the group stages until they got a lucky last-minute success against Spartak Moscow last season. It was a fruitful season for the scots, as they advanced past the group stages, but a repeat of that performance does not seem likely. Celtic sold some of their best players prior to this season and they have been atrocious in qualifying, 1-0 aggregate vs. Elfsborg and 3-2 aggregate vs. Shakhter Karagandy. Celtic also misses some players for today.
Celtic: Forster; Ambrose, Mulgrew, Lustig, Van Dijk; Commons, Brown, Ledley, Forest; Samaras, Stokes
Even with all the unavailable players Milan can still put on a decent lineup and is a big favorite to win this. They learned to cope with the squad problems and the PSV team they beat 3-0 in the same conditions was better than Celtic. The visitors are in poor form and playing away in Europe is their worst nightmare – it’s doubful they can stop Balotelli and Robinho with a crowded defense. Take the italians to win this one, they can’t afford losing points in a tough group with Barcelona and Ajax.
Pick: AC Milan
Odds: 1.50 @ Winner
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 4
Event date: 18 September
Editor Facts
- Ocean won 7 out of the last 9 picks
