Prediction and odds for the game: Shamrock Rovers (20/1) v AC Milan (1/14)
We are backing Brahim Diaz to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 7/5
When: Thursday, 17th September 2020, Kick-off 19:00
Where: The Tallaght Stadium
On Thursday night, Shamrock Rovers face AC Milan at the Tallaght Stadium in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. It is a massive game for the home side, who will be eying a massive upset.
Shamrock Rovers
The home team are currently top of the Irish Premier Division and will head into this clash in confident mood. Rovers are 15 games unbeaten in the Irish top-flight, but the Italian visitors are higher quality than any of the opponents that Rovers face regularly domestic. The match is one of their biggest ever games in European competition for the home side, even if AC Milan are no longer a dominant force of the Italian game.
Shamrock have been hard to beat in the Europa League in recent seasons, as they are unbeaten in six matches in the competition over 90 minutes. However, the Irish team did suffer a 3-1 extra-time defeat against Apollon last season. The home side needed penalties to see off Ilves in the last round after a 2-2 draw.
Milan
There is a sense of optimism surrounding the Rossoneri this season after the men from Milan finished last season in a strong manner, finishing sixth-place in the table. Former Fiorentina head coach Stefano Pioli brought stability to the club and won a contract extension, despite the spectre of Ralf Rangnick coming in to replace him.
Milan kick-off their Serie A campaign this weekend against Bologna. However, the visitors will need to beware of any complacency and looking ahead to the weekend campaign.
They have strengthened their squad this summer by bringing in midfielder Sandro Tonali and striker Brahim Diaz. Both players are highly-rated and expected to have a bright future in the game.
The visitors have a rather inconsistent recent record in the Europa League, as they have won just one of their previous four matches in Europe’s secondary competition. The Rossoneri’s recent Europa League games have been high-scoring, with four of their previous five matches. Both teams have also scored in AC Milan’s last five games in the competition.
Milan have struggled to pick up victories away from home in the Europa League, as the Rossoneri have won just two of their previous seven games in the competition. The visitors have scored in 12 of their previous 14 away games in the Europa League.
Conclusion
AC Milan are massive favourites, which is understandable, but Shamrock Rovers may not be easy opponents for the Rossoneri. There is no value in the away win, so we are looking at the goals market for our recommended bets. We are deciding to take a punt on under 2.5 goals in this clash, as Shamrock could be hard to break down. The other bet we are backing is Brahim Diaz being an anytime goalscorer, as the youngster looks to be a bright prospect.
Verdict: We are backing under 2.5 goals at odds of 21/10 and/or Brahim Diaz being an anytime goalscorer at odds of (7/5) (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Can Shamrock Rovers cause a massive shock against the Italian giants?
