Salzburg to make Milan fight for CL last 16 spot
RB Salzburg know only a win at the San Siro will see them through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. The perennial champions of Austria managed to squeeze into the knockout stage last season for the first time, but Serie A title holders AC Milan will be desperate to avoid an embarrassing early exit of their own. Read our preview here:
Gift of the Gabbia
The 2-1 defeat at the weekend at Torino has left Stefano Pioli's side trailing undefeated Napoli by six points after 12 games with the break for the World Cup in Qatar looming. Failure to qualify on Wednesday night for the business end of the elite European competition might make Rossoneri fans turn on the head coach, who has five first team players our of contention. He's likely to stick with Charles De Ketelaere through the middle behind Olivier Giroud, despite the Belgian youngster's decidedly underwhelming performances in the famous red and black jersey. Elsewhere, Matteo Gabbia will lead the last line of defence against the two striker formation the visitors will utilise. His accurate, crisp passing from the back will be key to tiring out the opposition as they have to take more risks in attack.
Okafor you?
Surprisingly, Matthias Jaissle's charges aren't completely dominating the Austrian Bundesliga, with Sturm Graz just two points behind them with 14 played. Like with Celtic and Rangers in Scotland, performance is now measured on how they fare in Europe, coming from a nation/division outside of the big five/six on the continent. The biggest hurdle facing the German manager isn't the hosts' collective threat, but that he has eight of his own roster unavailable. Driving forwards to get a goal or two earlt in proceedings is their best bet at remaining in the competition, and that burden will fall heavily on Noah Okafor, who has three goals in five group games. The Swiss international will want to be at the top of his game in order to be considered for the starting XI in Qatar as much as for his club side. Partner Junior Adamu is also an up and coming talent, and will hope to escape the attentions of the centre backs with Okafor the primary focus.
Betting tip
Parimatch have odds of 4.60 for a draw that will condemn RB Salzburg to the Europa League when club football resumes.
