AC Milan vs Borussia Dortmund

Stadio San Siro is the venue as AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund lock horns in a high-stakes Champions League Group F contest.

Plagued by injuries, Milan headed into November’s international break amid a rough patch, having gone unbeaten in four straight Serie A matches (D2, L2). The only positive in an otherwise nightmarish stretch was a 2-1 comeback win against PSG that fired ‘I Rossoneri’ back in contention for knockout qualification, moving them within a point of the second qualifying spot in the so-called ‘group of death.’ Dortmund’s visit bodes well for Milan’s bid to reach the Champions League knockouts for the second season in a row, considering the Italians’ outstanding all-time record against German visitors on home soil (W14, D3, L2). Adding to Stefano Pioli’s confidence, his injury-hit side defeated Fiorentina 1-0 at the weekend, increasing the likelihood of him posting back-to-back Champions League wins for only the second time in his managerial career.

On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund can seal progression into the Champions League round of 16 with a game to spare with a win at the San Siro following a brace of wins ‘to nil’ against Newcastle United. Like Milan, ‘Die Borussen’ enjoyed a victorious weekend, overhauling a 2-0 deficit to topple Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2 at home. But consistency remains an issue for Edin Terzic’s team as their last five competitive games have fluctuated between victories (3) and defeats (2). If nothing, connoisseurs of action-packed football should be in for a treat, given three of Dortmund’s last four away matches have featured over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring. But they’ve encountered little luck on their recent trips to Italy, losing four of their five most recent visits to the country (D1).