Champions League: Milan and Chelsea in Fight to Dominate in Group E

AC Milan vs Chelsea

The Champions League group stages are entering their second half already and there’s a real battle bubbling up in Group E, where AC Milan and Chelsea are set to meet at the San Siro.

Just a week ago the Blues forced their way into contention with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Rossoneri and so, with a crucial three points at stake, Stefano Piolo’s side is on a revenge mission.

There’s a fascinating dynamic to this group from which any of the four teams can qualify. Red Bull Salzburg are currently top of Group E with five points and Dynamo Zagreb are bottom with three with Milan and Chelsea each on four. 

Both teams are backed, by the latest Champions League 2022 betting odds, to escape the group, with Graham Potter’s Blues at a price of 1.80 to win Group E and I Rossoneri at 2.60. They will both expect to navigate their final two matches against Salzburg and Zagreb. In fact, Chelsea are seventh favourites at odds of 21.00 to win the tournament with Milan in tenth place at 61.00.

But, as things stand, the Blues and Rossoneri have plenty of work to do and while a win would put the victor in a very strong position, a draw would not be a disaster for either, particularly if Salzburg fail to win in Zagreb.    

Talking Points

Can Giroud haunt his old mates?

I Rossoneri recovered from last week’s loss to Chelsea by beating Juventus 2-0 on Saturday with goals from former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori and young striker Brahim Diaz. Both Milan and I Bianconeri were in desperate need of points and the result lifted Milan up to third place in the league table while the Old Lady languishes in eighth.   

Milan forward Olivier Giroud made the assist for Tomori’s goal against Juve and midway through the second half, Pioli substituted the veteran France striker in preparation for this return match with Chelsea.

Premier League fans know Giroud well as he spent eight season in the English top flight with Arsenal and Chelsea, scoring 90 goals and some of the most spectacular, including an incredible scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace in 2017.  

Giroud will be a real threat with his link up play, aerial threat and superb timing while the other former Chelsea player, Tomori, has a point to make to his former employers who allowed him to leave Stamford Bridge on the cheap. The centre-back struggled against the pace of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last week and he is determined to get his own back, vowing to play with more aggression and determination.

Pioli will hope for more from star man Rafael Leao, who was lacklustre against the Blues in London and he too has a point to prove.      

The Potter Effect is beginning to show

Defeat to Zagreb saw the end of former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel and, since his arrival, Potter has seen the team make some steady progress under his guidance. He started with a 1-1 draw at home to Salzburg, before winning his league debut away to Crystal Palace. The 3-0 win over Milan was followed quickly by another 3-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday. 

Potter has a reputation for playing fast-flowing and adventurous football, and back-to-back wins with six unanswered goals will have the Chelsea fans smiling again. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has started well with the Blues, scoring the second against Milan, while Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic were both on target in the win over Wolves.

This is a team with multiple threats and they will play in the front foot at the San Siro in Tuesday.     

History

These are two of Europe’s biggest clubs with an array of honours in their histories and AC Milan way out in front with 19 Scudetto triumphs and seven European crowns. Although, Chelsea are not so shabby with six English league titles and two Champions League wins to their name.    

Chelsea have won six of the previous nine encounters with Milan, losing two and drawing one, and last week’s 3-0 win made it three wins on the bounce for the Blues against Milan.

In terms of recent form Potter’s team has a slight edge, with four wins, one draw and one defeat, while Milan have four wins and two losses.       

Betting Tip

If the remaining Group E Champions League 2022 resultsgo as expected we will see both Milan and Chelsea make the knockout stages, but this game could cause problems for the loser if there is a decisive outcome.  

At SBOTOPodds of 2.29, Chelsea are favourites to win the game with Milan at 2.96 and the draw at 3.06.

And in terms of correct score lines, a 1-1 draw is most likely at 5.22 with a 1-0 win for Chelsea next in line at 7.14.  

 

●●●

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.