ATLETICO MADRID have much work to do if they are to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages and they face the stern test of taking on AC Milan at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
Currently third in Group B with just four points from a possible 12, the Spanish champions have not looked like their usual imperious selves at times this season.
The men from Madrid lost 2-0 at Liverpool on matchday four, on a night where both of my Anfield bets copped, and now face a battle to reach the knockout round of the competition.
Diego Simeone's side laboured to a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday but the Atleti boss will hope that it acts as a foundation for further improvement when AC Milan come calling.
The Rossoneri, the second-most successful team in the history of the competition, are rooted to the bottom of the rankings and have no room for error in the Spanish capital this midweek.
Milan's preparations for this make-or break clash were far from ideal, with Stefano Pioli's team tasting defeat in Serie A for the first time this season in a thrilling 4-3 loss at Fiorentina on Saturday night.
Outright Betting
After snatching a last-gasp 2-1 win during the reverse fixture, Atletcio Madrid enter this contest as odds-on 7/11 favourites with SBK.
AC Milan are 24/5 (SBK) outsiders to bank their first three Group B points while an all square affair in Spain can be backed at 31/10 (SBK) with the same bookmaker.
Betting Angles
Both sides have under-performed in this season's Champions League so I'm going to swerve the match result market here and instead dip into PaddyPower's Bet Builder feature.
Combining each team to hit three or more corners with over three match cards will bring about an eye-catching even-money (1/1) play that makes appeal.
Atletico Madrid will have earmarked this fixture as one where three points are crucial if they are to qualify from the group, while AC Milan simply have to win Wednesday night if they want to progress in Europe beyond Christmas.
With that in mind, there should be a decant degree of goalmouth action at the Wanda Metropolitano and backing each side to hit three or more corners during this showdown should go close given the dynamics of the section.
Both teams are averaging in the region of five corners per-game across all competitions this term and given that the pair need points to stay in contention in Group B, I'm happy to side with three flagkicks apiece here.
I'll complete the aforementioned Bet Builder with over three match cards in what should be another hard-fought contest when the two sides reconvene in the Spanish capital on Wednesday night.
There were no fewer than six yellows and one red when these two went toe-to-toe at the San Siro and I suspect sparks could again when the two heavyweights renew hostilities this midweek.
All four of Atletico Madrid's Group B matches so far have featured a red card, not to mention Slovenian whistler Slavko Vinčić is averaging 4.5 bookings per 90 minutes this season.
This UEFA Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and AC Milan will be played on Nov 24, 2021 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Atletico Madrid vs AC Milan prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.