After missing a chance to minimize the gap with Inter in a draw with a team at the bottom of the table, AC Milan will have a much tougher task when they face the new force in Serie A, Como, who are yet to lose at home.
The Voltaics once again showed character against a much stronger and more experienced side, perhaps even deserving the win against Bologna.
More importantly, the draw was Como's 11th consecutive home game without defeat. Napoli and Juventus are the only other teams in Serie A that can boast the same achievement.
Defense is definitely the home team's main strength, as they currently rank second in fewest goals conceded, behind only Roma. On their own turf, Como have conceded only four goals in nine Serie A home games – the fewest of any team.
This could well be a problem for AC Milan, who have not been very convincing in attack in recent months. The Rossoneri have managed to score more than one goal in only three of their last 10 games in all competitions.
In their last two matches, they failed to beat two teams from the bottom of the table, which is hardly a positive thought ahead of a match against one of the strongest home teams. Milan also have no good recent memories from midweek matches, having lost five of their last six games on a Thursday.
How the bookies view it: A dangerously tight matchup
Como are in such good form and are such a difficult team to predict that bookmakers have not dared to give any advantage to the much more expensive and experienced AC Milan team.
The odds are quite close, with Como currently available at 19/10, while AC Milan are available at 3/2. If you are interested in a draw, you can back it at 9/4.
Recent head-to-head: Four decades of Red & Black dominance
Como fans would rather not comment on their team's performance against Milan in recent decades, as their last victory over the Milan giants dates back 41 years.
Since then, the teams have played 14 times, with AC Milan winning nine times (D5). The Rossoneri have also won the last four official matches in a row, scoring more than once in each game.
Players to watch: Nkunku can be a super-sub
Christopher Nkunku seems to finally be improving, or at least the three goals in his last two games make it seem that way. He is, however, still fresh off an injury and will probably come on in the second half, so keep an eye out for him.
Como’s 20-year-old gem, Jesus Rodriguez, provided an assist in back-to-back games and already has six in Serie A. He is a great option if you want higher odds.
When a price looks too good to ignore, that’s value. Learn how to identify it with our Value Betting guide.
Probable line-ups
Como: Butez, Smolcic, Carlos, Kempf, Moreno, Perrone, Da Cunha, Kuhn, Paz, Rodriguez, Douvikas
AC Milan: Maignan, De Winter, Gabbia, Tomori, Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi, Pulisic, Leao
Anything else catch the eye?
Sooner or later, Como will find their match, but we don’t believe it could be the current AC Milan. Of course, the Rossoneri are among the main title contenders, but their goal output has not been ideal, and Como have already proven that they can stop the best. For instance, they recently beat Juventus 2-0 at home.
We anticipate a low-scoring draw or potentially a minimal home win. But we imagine both sides will be cautious not to make mistakes, as one could be enough to seal the deal. If we have to pick, we’d go for a 1-1 draw.
If you plan to watch the match live, consider watching out for Como's performance at the start of the match, as AC Milan conceded first in six of their last eight fixtures. A first goal for the hosts is well-priced at 6/5 pre-match, and will only increase after kick-off.
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