AC Milan vs Benfica Preview, prediction, team news, lineups | UEFA Europa League 2026-27
The previous clash between these clubs took place in 2019!
AC Milan are all set to lock horns with SL Benfica for their opening league phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27 campaign. The San Siro Stadium is all set to witness this entertaining outing.
The Rossoneri are enjoying an unbeaten run in the new season so far. They began their campaign with victories against Torino and Venezia. Ruben Amorim’s men were then held to a draw in their back-to-back Serie A games against Juventus and Lazio.
AC Milan need a better performance in both attack and defence or the season is only going to get tougher for them moving forward. At home, they will be feeling a bit confident, but they must not take their opponents lightly.
The Marco Silva-led side have been on phenomenal run of form since the beginning of the season. They have secured wins in all of their last five matches and will now be looking to begin the UEFA Europa League campaign on a positive note.
The Eagles have shown strong performances so far and have only conceded three goals in their last five games. Even though SL Benfica will be away from home, they are going to be full of confidence and are going to push for a win.
Kick-off:
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- Location: Milan, Italy
- Stadium: San Siro
- Date: Thursday, September 17
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 am IST (Wednesday, September 16; 07:00 pm GMT/ 03:00 pm ET/ 12:00 pm PT)
- Referee: Jarred Gillett
- VAR: In use
Form:
Milan: W-W-D-D
Benfica: W-W-W-W-W
Players to Watch
Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan)
The 31-year-old Frenchman is going to have an important role to play in the midfield for AC Milan. He provided a crucial assist in the 2-2 draw against Lazio and will be eager to help his side on the European stage this time around. Adrien Rabiot’s work rate is going to be crucial for the hosts in the final third as well.
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)
Vangelis Pavlidis is coming in after scoring a sensational brace for SL Benfica in their previous encounter against Gil Vicente. He has now scored three goals in the last two games for his side and will be looking to add more to his tally, but this time in the UEFA Europa League. The 27-year-old is going to be once again deployed as a sole striker and might threaten the opponent’s defence.
Match Facts
- Both of the last two matches have ended in a draw for AC Milan.
- Benfica are on a five-match winning run.
- This will be the eighth-ever clash between these clubs.
Betting Tips & Odds
- AC Milan to win
- Goncalo Ramos to score
- Goals under 3.5
Injury and Team News
AC Milan have all of their players fit and ready to be in action.
Alexander Bah is not going to be in action for Benfica. He is injured.
Head-to-Head
Matches played: 7
Milan (wins): 4
Benfica (wins): 1
Draws: 2
Predicted Lineups
AC Milan predicted XI (3-4-2-1)
Maignan (GK); Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek, Cisse; Ramos
Benfica predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Trubin (GK); Benjaqui, Araujo, Lenglet, Dahl; Barrenechea, Barreiro; Silva, Prestianni, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
Match Prediction
Both of these sides have been unbeaten in their respective campaigns so far. AC Milan at home are going to have an advantage. Benfica, with their winning run, can dent the hosts.
The Rossoneri are likely to come out on top to secure a win in their opening UEFA Europa League outing.
Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Benfica
Telecast Details
India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV
UK: TNT Sports
Italy: Sky
Portugal: Sport TV, DAZN
USA: Paramount+, DAZN, TUDN
When and where is AC Milan vs Benfica Europa League match?
These sides are going to collide at the San Siro Stadium on September 16.
Where and how to watch UEFA Europa League live in India?
Fans will be able to view all the games live via the Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.
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