Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan Prediction: Rossoneri to get the job done

AC Milan head into Wednesday's (20:00, discovery+) clash at Dinamo Zagreb knowing that a victory will secure their place in the Uefa Champions League round of 16. I Rossoneri have won five on the bounce in Europe to propel them into the top eight, and they will be feeling confident ahead of this clash.

The hosts can make a late entry into the play-off spots but they simply have to beat Milan to have any chance. However, they are winless in their last three European appearances. Below you will find my Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan prediction, supported by the latest team news and match odds.

Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan Odds

Dinamo Zagreb are 5/1 to triumph on Wednesday, but both of their two victories in the Champions League to date were away from home. Two of their clashes at Stadion Maksimir have ended in a stalemate, with the draw priced at 18/5 on this occasion.

Milan have won five games on the bounce in this competition and are 8/15 to make it six in Croatia. If you are seeking better value for an away win, you can back them to win to nil at 2/1 (which has an implied probability of 33.3%), which they managed against Girona last week. Additionally, the hosts have blanked in their last two Champions League appearances on home turf.

Football Odds

Team News

The hosts are without forward Bruno Petkovic due to an abductor issue. Sandro Kulenovic has been playing in his stead and has already scored three times in the Champions League this term, and he is one away from Dinamo's club record.

Midfielder Peter Sucic has been ruled out with a foot problem, but it is being reported that he could be on his way to Inter Milan in the final days of the transfer window. Lukas Kacavenda is unable to play as he must serve a suspension, while recent signing Wilfried Kanga is not registered to play in this competition.

Milan will want to avoid any hiccups here but they will have one eye on their Serie A clash with bitter rivals Inter Milan on Sunday, so Sergio Conceicao could keep some key players in reserve on Wednesday.

He might be forced to play a number of his stars, however, because of a number of injuries he is having to contend with. Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Noah Okafor and long-term absentee Alessandro Florenzi are still sidelined for I Rossoneri.

Davide Calabria is suspended for the visitors, so either Filippo Terracciano or Davide Bartesaghi may have to deputise on the right side of the back line. January addition Kyle Walker cannot be registered until the knockout stage, so he will have to wait for an opportunity on the European stage for his new club.

Winger Rafael Leao has completed a competition-high of 26 dribbles, while netting three goals this campaign. He could line up in attack with Christian Pulisic, Tijjani Reijnders and Alvaro Morata.

AC Milan and both teams to score @ 8/5

Seeing as Milan have managed just one clean sheet in their seven Champions League fixtures to date, it is hard to see them shutting out Dinamo Zagreb away from home.

The hosts will be throwing everything at the Rossoneri to secure themselves a play-off spot, and Milan's defensive record would suggest the Croatian outfit can at least get on the scoresheet in this contest.

However, Milan should have more than enough to see them through to the round of 16 here, especially with their attacking quartet of Leao, Reijnders, Pulisic and Morata.

Their recent form in Serie A has been mixed, whereas they have been on fire in Europe, winning five games on the spin. That momentum should set them up nicely for another  three points here to get the job done.

Boss Sergio Conceicao will be hoping that he is in a position where his side are comfortably in the lead so that he can make changes so certain players can rest ahead of their meeting with Inter at the weekend. They have the firepower to do so, but Zagreb have nothing to lose heading into Wednesday, which could bring its challenges.

Rafael Leao anytime goalscorer @ 7/5

Portugal international Leao has been excellent over the course of Milan's brilliant winning run in the Champions League, and he has scored in each of their last three outings.

He is playing with a lot of confidence right now, and he poses the biggest threat to Dinamo Zagreb's chances of making it to the play-offs. He will be targeted by their defenders but his dribbling stats so far would suggest he will still break through, and then his recent scoring record speaks for itself.

I'm expecting Leao to play a starring role again for the Italian giants, and 7/5 offers good value on him to make it four in a row.

Offers

Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any Champions League game on Wednesday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Thursday’s Europa League games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

Wednesday's Champions League Predictions:

The team here at Betfred Insights have you fully-covered for the final round of Champions League matches this Wednesday. You can check out all of our previews for the matches below:

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