Juventus vs AC Milan Prediction - Serie A Fixtures

On 18 January 2025, Juventus will host AC Milan at the Allianz Stadium in a crucial Serie A clash. Juventus, currently fifth in the standings with 34 points, will look to maintain their unbeaten home record against a resilient AC Milan sitting in seventh place with 31 points.

Both teams have navigated through significant changes recently. Juventus is dealing with injuries to key players like Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik, and the departure of long-time defender Danilo. Conversely, AC Milan is revitalized under new coach Sergio Conceição, having won the Italian Super Cup and been linked with a potential move for Marcus Rashford.

Juventus has struggled to keep clean sheets, while Milan has shown attacking prowess. Given both teams’ cautious playstyles, a draw in the first half is a safe bet. With both sides looking to secure a Champions League spot, expect a tightly contested match that will be crucial for their season objectives.

Juventus vs AC Milan Prediction & Betting Tip

It’s shaping up to be a gripping Serie A encounter at the Allianz Stadium, and we’ve got a betting tip that stands out: A draw in the first half.

Why this prediction is solid:

• Cautious Playstyles: Both Juventus and AC Milan are known for their cautious tactics, especially in the initial stages of the game. Neither team will want to concede early.
• Previous Encounters: Historically, matches between these two giants tend to have fewer goals, particularly in the first half.
• Close Competitors: Juve and Milan are fighting for crucial points to secure Champions League spots, which encourages a careful approach early on.

Juventus vs AC Milan Odds

The odds reflect Juventus as the bookmaker’s favorite, although not by a large margin. Juventus, who have the home advantage, are priced at 2.19 to secure a victory. Meanwhile, a draw is quite plausible with odds of 3.22, highlighting the competitive nature of this fixture. AC Milan, coming in as the underdog, are listed at 3.44 for a win.

Given both teams’ cautious playstyles, betting on a draw in the first half or under 2.5 goals might be wise choices.

Juventus Team Analysis

Juventus have experienced a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, showcasing a blend of draws, losses, and a crucial win. This spell has seen them hold their own against formidable opponents but also struggle to secure consistent victories.

Juventus Key Players

Juventus will heavily rely on their key players to make an impact against AC Milan. Dusan Vlahovic, their top scorer with 7 goals, is unfortunately sidelined with physical discomfort, so the onus will likely fall on Nicolas Gonzalez, who is expected to lead the line. Teun Koopmeiners, playing as a forward, will be crucial in Juventus’s attacking strategies. Manuel Locatelli and Khéphren Thuram are also expected to be instrumental in the midfield.

Potential key individual battles include Gonzalez facing Milan’s robust defenders like Fikayo Tomori.

Expected lineup for Juventus:

• Goalkeeper: Michele Di Gregorio
• Defenders: Nicolò Savona, Pierre Kalulu, Federico Gatti, Andrea Cambiaso
• Midfielders: Manuel Locatelli, Teun Koopmeiners, Khéphren Thuram
• Forwards: Kenan Yildiz, Nicolas Gonzalez, Samuel Mbangula

Juventus Suspensions & Injuries

Juventus are facing a significant challenge with a number of key players sidelined due to injuries and suspensions. These absences could heavily impact their performance against AC Milan. Here are the details:

Injuries:

Suspensions:

Given these setbacks, coach Thiago Motta will have to make tactical adjustments, possibly relying on less experienced players to fill the gaps. With key players like Vlahović and Bremer out, Juventus may struggle both defensively and offensively.

Juventus Tactics and Formation

Juventus Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Teun Koopmeiners
• Midfield Trio: Manuel Locatelli, Teun Koopmeiners, Khéphren Thuram
• Defensive Strength: Conceded only 1 goal per game on average this season
• Notable Strategy: Unbeaten in their last 17 home games in Serie A

Juventus will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation under coach Thiago Motta. This approach allows them to maintain a balanced structure, with Manuel Locatelli anchoring the midfield alongside Teun Koopmeiners and Khéphren Thuram. Up front, Koopmeiners will be pivotal in creating scoring opportunities.

Given their current defensive challenges, especially with key players like Bremer sidelined, the team will need to rely on midfield to break AC Milan’s attacks and facilitate quick counterattacks. Juventus’ unbeaten streak at home suggests they’ll be confident, but cautious, focusing on a well-organized defense and efficient midfield transitions.

AC Milan Team Analysis

AC Milan have had a solid run of form in their recent games, as represented by their last five matches:

With an average of 1.80 goals scored per game in their last five matches, AC Milan have shown prowess in attack. However, with no clean sheets in these outings, there have been defensive vulnerabilities.

Coach Sérgio Conceição will aim to address these issues to maintain their momentum. Their attacking lineup, including top scorer Alvaro Morata, will be crucial, though Morata’s suspension for this match is a significant blow.

AC Milan Key Players

Expected lineup for AC Milan:

• Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
• Defenders: Emerson Royal, Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, Theo Hernandez
• Midfielders: Youssouf Fofana, Yunus Musah, Tijjani Reijnders
• Attackers: Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham, Rafael Leão

AC Milan’s key players will be crucial in this away match. Rafael Leão, known for his pace and creativity, will be a key attacker. Theo Hernandez, with his attacking runs from the left-back position, can create opportunities. In midfield, Youssouf Fofana’s role in disrupting Juventus’ play will be critical.

The absence of top scorer Álvaro Morata due to suspension puts additional pressure on Tammy Abraham to find the net. The duel between Rafael Leão and Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu could be pivotal, while Emerson Royal will need to contend with Juventus’ Nicolas Gonzalez.

AC Milan Suspensions & Injuries

AC Milan faces several challenges in terms of player availability for the upcoming clash against Juventus due to injuries and a key suspension.

The suspension of Álvaro Morata means AC Milan will miss their top scorer, which is a significant blow. The injuries to key starters, including Florenzi and Loftus-Cheek, add to the woes. With Pulisic and Thiaw also doubtful, AC Milan’s depth will be seriously tested against Juventus side.

AC Milan Tactics and Formation

AC Milan’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Tammy Abraham
• Creative Spark: Tijjani Reijnders in the attacking midfield role
• Wing Play: Christian Pulisic (doubtful) on the right and Rafael Leão on the left

AC Milan rely heavily on their solid defensive lineup, with Mike Maignan in goal and a reliable back four led by Fikayo Tomori and Theo Hernandez. In midfield, Youssouf Fofana and Yunus Musah form a robust defensive shield, allowing Reijnders to push forward and connect with the wingers and forward. Expect AC Milan to capitalize on quick transitions and leverage their attacking prowess, especially with Rafael Leão causing trouble for the Juventus defense down the left wing.

Juventus vs AC Milan Head-to-Head Statistics

The last five encounters between Juventus and AC Milan have been closely contested battles, with neither side dominating consistently.