Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Club friendly match.
AC Milan have returned from their Far East tour and are preparing for their final pre-season friendly. The upcoming fixture against Chelsea will take place at Stamford Bridge, where home supporters will expect nothing less than a victory.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca, following his triumph at the FIFA Club World Cup, granted his players a well-earned break, resulting in a relatively quiet pre-season schedule. However, this does not reflect the typically proactive transfer approach of the squad under Todd Boehly. Chelsea have made several strategic additions to bolster both their attack and defence, and these reinforcements are expected to significantly strengthen the team.
AC Milan
Recent results may not tell the full story for AC Milan. The club is not expected to produce high-scoring displays. A case in point is their match against Arsenal (0:1), where AC Milan managed only 0.22 xG, compared to Arsenal’s 1.83. While Luka Modrić has recently joined the squad, he has yet to make his debut and is unlikely to make a notable difference in the near term.
Chelsea vs AC Milan Prediction
Chelsea are considered the favourites, and that outlook appears justified. AC Milan are likely to adopt a deep defensive setup in hopes of securing a goalless result, but their backline does not appear solid enough to withstand sustained pressure. The hosts are expected to generate multiple opportunities, which should be sufficient to see them through to victory.