Prediction: Juventus vs Milan

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 13/15

Bookmaker: BetUS

A fortnight after their encounter in the Supercoppa Italiana, Juventus and AC Milan will aim for all three points in a high-stakes match on Saturday evening, as they face off in Turin.

Following Milan’s comeback victory over Juve in Saudi Arabia, the two sides meet again in Serie A, where both are chasing a spot among Italy’s top four at the moment.

Juventus

Juventus may have gone unbeaten in 20 consecutive Serie A matches, but their season has been far from smooth, largely due to their struggles to secure victories. On top of their Supercoppa semifinal exit to Milan – despite holding a 1-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining – the Bianconeri have failed to capitalize on winning positions in their last three league games.

This run includes draws against Fiorentina, Torino in the Derby della Mole, as well as Atalanta away. For the seventh time this season, Juve squandered an advantage, as Pierre Kalulu’s unexpected strike fell short of securing victory over La Dea in Bergamo on Tuesday night. An astonishing tally of 13 draws from 20 league fixtures has left Thiago Motta’s side in fifth place, three points ahead of a struggling Milan team but with an extra game played.

Another draw on Saturday would mean Juventus tying four consecutive Serie A home matches for the first time since 2009. They will obviously aim to break that streak at the Rossoneri’s expense.

However, after enjoying nine straight home wins over Milan in the league, Juve have failed to secure victory in their last four such encounters. To make matters worse, they have scored only twice across their last eight Serie A meetings with Milan.

Team News

Striker Dusan Vlahovic is expected to be available after his injury layoff, potentially as a substitute, while Francisco Conceicao might also be included in the squad to face his father’s new team, though his involvement is still doubtful.

If Conceicao does play,  it would leave only long-term absentees Arkadiusz Milik, Juan Cabal, and Bremer unavailable, as Juventus prepare for an important double-header against Milan and Champions League opponents Club Brugge.

In another family connection, Tim Weah could feature against his father’s former club, while ex-Milan midfielder Manuel Locatelli and on-loan defender Pierre Kalulu are both likely to start.

AC Milan

After their dramatic Supercoppa victory, overcoming both Juventus and city rivals Inter to claim the trophy, Milan hosted Cagliari in last Saturday’s late kick-off. However, the Rossoneri had to settle for a home draw, marking the first stumble in Sergio Conceicao’s brief tenure.

Order was quickly restored, though, as Milan came from behind for the third time in four matches under their demanding new coach. Theo Hernandez equalized in nearby Como, netting his 30th Serie A goal to become the first defender in club history to reach such a milestone, suring the legendary Paolo Maldini. Shortly after, Rafael Leao continued his resurgence by scoring the winner.

Milan are now aiming for consecutive league wins for the first time since September. With a season plagued by inconsistency, they can ill afford to drop more points if they hope to secure a top-four finish.

Currently trailing Juventus and other rivals in the Serie A standings, Milan’s chances of securing Champions League qualification for next season remain uncertain. They will continue their campaign at home against Girona on Wednesday.

Team News

Milan suffered injury setbacks in Como, with Christian Pulisic, Alvaro Morata, and Malick Thiaw all forced off. Thiaw is now expected to be unavailable for several matches, leaving Sergio Conceicao to likely turn to Matteo Gabbia as his replacement in central defense.

While there is still a chance Pulisic could be declared fit for Saturday’s clash, Morata will definitely miss the game against one of his former clubs due to suspension.

Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Alessandro Florenzi remain sidelined through injury.

Conclusion

Despite the game between these teams played at San Siro earlier this season ending in a goalless draw, the memories of the Supercoppa clash will still be burning in the minds of the players. Each side has a point to prove on Saturday, and both are likely to find the back of the opposition net.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 13/15

Bookmaker: BetUS