UEFA Europa League Group F is looking like being a battle between three teams for the top two qualifying spots. AC Milan, Real Betis and Olympiakos are the teams who will strongly believe they have what it takes to reach the knockout stages this season.
On Thursday night, two of those contenders come head-to-head at the San Siro as AC Milan host Olympiakos. Will this be a home win for the Italians or will the Greeks head home with something to show for their efforts?
AC Milan have made a less than impressive start this season and they sit in 11th place in Serie A. The giants of Italian football have won only two of their six Serie A games but if there is one thing in their favour it is the games lost column and they have only been defeated once.
In fact, AC Milan have lost just one of their seven games this season and that was the opening match of the campaign at Napoli. However, the problem has been drawing games and AC Milan have drawn three of their last five matches in all competitions.
AC Milan travelled to F91 Dundelange in their first Europa League game and were almost held to a draw by the small team from Luxembourg. A goal from Gonzalo Higuain in the second half saved their blushes.
Trends show AC Milan have been winning at both half time and full time in five of their last seven home matches in the Europa League and will be hoping to build on that in this game.
Olympiakos suffered a big defeat on the weekend, losing 1-0 at home to rivals PAOK in the Greek Super League. It leaves Olympiakos in 5th place in their domestic league but they are only 1 point off the leaders in a close race for the title.
The defeat to PAOK is significant because it is their first defeat of the season and Olympiakos will want to avoid another loss on Thursday night. Prior to the weekend, Olympiakos has been on a run of ten games without defeat, including eight wins. However, they were held to a 0-0 draw in their first Europa League group game.
The 0-0 with Real Betis was a bit of a blow as Olympiakos know they need to win their home matches if they are to have a good chance of winning the group.
Looking ahead to the team news and AC Milan could have defender Mattia Caldara back in contention but have doubts over striker Gonzalo Higuain.
Olympiakos travel to the San Siro without defender Konstantinos Tsimikas who is suspended. Every other player is fit and available, with Konstantinos Fortounis the key man in midfield.
AC Milan have been difficult to watch at times this season but the 4-1 win over Sassuolo on the weekend should give them renewed confidence. This will not be an easy game for the hosts but one they are expected to win.