AC Milan will look to build on their fine performance in the Milan Derby as they host Lecce in a Serie A fixture on Friday. The Rossoneri will be feeling confident heading into this clash and should be too strong for Lecce, who are struggling at the start of the season.
AC Milan will be brimming with confidence after claiming a 2-1 victory over champions Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina last time out. Christian Pulisic opened the scoring early in the contest while Matteo Gabbia struck the winner 10 minutes from time.
That was a vital win for AC Milan, who had previously struggled to find their rhythm. The result will ease some of the pressure on under-fire manager Paulo Fonseca, who will be keen to use it as a springboard to jump-start their season.
While AC Milan are looking to snap out of their struggles, Lecce appear to still be mired in theirs. It has been a poor start to the season for Luca Gotti’s men, who have picked up just one win from their five Serie A matches.
Lecce were held to a 2-2 draw by Parma last time out in Serie A, letting a two-goal lead slip after goals from Patrick Dorgu and Nikola Krstovic. They also crashed out of the Coppa Italia in midweek after falling 2-0 at home to Serie B side Sassuolo.
How the bookies view it: Milan to triumph
AC Milan have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and priced at 1/3 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Lecce is valued at 8/1 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 4/1 for a draw.
Head to head: No problems for Milan
AC Milan have a 14-2 advantage with 12 draws from 28 previous matches against Lecce. The Rossoneri have also won the last two meetings at San Siro, and claimed a 3-0 victory back in April with Pulisic among the goals.
Players to watch: Pulisic on fire
Pulisic has been the standout player for AC Milan recently and has scored in his last three matches. The American forward was also on target in the last meeting with Lecce and is priced at 8/5 with Betfred.
AC Milan have not been too convincing at the back this season and Lecce will be looking to take advantage. Krstovic has two Serie A goals for the visitors and could be worth keeping an eye on at 16/5 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
AC Milan are still without Ismael Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi and Davide Calabria, who are all sidelined with injury. The manager is likely to continue with the attacking partnership of Tammy Abraham and Alvaro Morata while Gabbia should retain his place at the back.
Frédéric Guilbert is suspended for Lecce following a red card last time out while Nicola Sansone remains sidelined with injury. Krstovic was an unused substitute in the Coppa Italia and should return to the team while Kialonda Gaspar is also expected to start at the back after coming off the bench in midweek.
AC Milan: Maignan, Royal, Gabbia, Tomori, Hernandez, Reijnders, Fofana, Leao, Pulisic, Morata, Abraham
Lecce: Falcone, Gallo, Baschirotto, Gaspar, Jean, Ramadani, Coulibaly, Dorgu, Rebic, Morente, Krstovic
Anything else catch the eye?
There have been over 3.5 goals in three of AC Milan’s last four matches and a similar outcome is priced at 11/8 with Betfred. Both teams could also be backed to score at 5/6 with Betfred.
With the Rossoneri priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, a win and both teams to score could be considered at 9/5 with Betfred.
This Serie A match between AC Milan and Lecce will be played on Sep 27, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best AC Milan vs Lecce prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
