The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the upcoming UEFA Champions League game between Newcastle United and AC Milan at St. James’ Park.
The Group of Death has produced eye-catching results in every round of fixtures thus far in the UEFA Champions League. So, as the group stage draws to a close, Wednesday’s clash between Newcastle United and AC Milan at St. James’ Park will leave many interested.
Newcastle United and AC Milan are currently the bottom two teams in Group F. But such has been the topsy-turvy nature of the competition in the Group of Death that both teams can finish second behind Borussia Dortmund. So, Wednesday’s fixture has added meaning for both sides. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Where to Watch
Newcastle United vs AC Milan will kick off at 20:00 GMT in Newcastle. TNT Sports 1 will broadcast the fixture in the UK for those who subscribe. Alternatively, you can stream the game on Discovery+. For viewers in the USA, the game kicks off at 15:00 ET/noon PT, with the following streaming services broadcasting it live in the country: ViX, Univision NOW, and Paramount+.
As for our readers in India, where the game begins at 01:30 on December 13, the Sony Sports Network will telecast the match, while the Sony LIV app will stream it. Meanwhile, Canadian viewers can stream the game on DAZN. Finally, Stan Sport will stream the game in Australia.
Form
Newcastle United: LWDWLL
Newcastle United come into the game on the back of a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. That was their second successive defeat after Everton beat them 3-0 in a midweek Premier League fixture. Meanwhile, the Magpies’ most recent UEFA Champions League tie ended in a 1-1 draw with PSG, who arguably stole a point after a contentious penalty decision.
AC Milan: WDWLWL
Like Newcastle United, AC Milan suffered a defeat this past weekend, with Atalanta beating them 3-2 in Bergamo. Stefano Pioli’s men have failed to stitch together a winning run in the last few weeks. Meanwhile, their most recent UEFA Champions League clash ended in a 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund.
Head-To-Head Record
Newcastle United and AC Milan have only faced each other once previously, that being the reverse fixture on Matchday 1. That game ended in a goalless draw, with the Rossoneri conjuring up 25 shots – the most attempts a team has had without scoring in a game in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League thus far.
Key Stats
- Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund in their last UEFA Champions League home game. But they have never faced defeat in consecutive matches at St. James’ Park in major European competitions.
- AC Milan have won only one of their 21 games in England in major European competitions (D7 L13).
- AC Milan have scored only three goals in the UEFA Champions League this term, with no other side scoring fewer through the opening five rounds of fixtures.
- Three of Newcastle United’s last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
- AC Milan have not kept a clean sheet in their most recent four away games, which have all produced over 2.5 goals.
Prediction and Betting Tips
AC Milan have the biggest negative difference between their goals scored and expected goals this term (-4.9 – three goals from 7.9 xG). So, it should be a bankable bet to back Newcastle United to keep a clean sheet despite the fixture’s importance and the Magpies’ recent form.
In addition, AC Milan have managed only one win in 21 attempts in a European fixture in England. They have failed to beat nine English clubs, and Newcastle United can become the tenth team to beat them. So, we are backing Newcastle United to win on Wednesday.
