Get the latest AC Milan vs Benfica prediction, betting tips, odds, and predicted lineups ahead of Wednesday's exciting Europa League showdown at San Siro.
AC Milan vs Benfica Match Summary
Competition | Europa League |
|---|---|
Match Date | Wednesday 16 September 2026 |
Match Time | 20:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Milan, Stadio Giuseppe Meazza |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | TNT Sports 2 (UK) |
AC Milan host Benfica at the San Siro on Wednesday night as the Europa League league phase gets under way, and this fixture has real quality on both sides.
The hosts sit top of the form rankings and boast a clean bill of health, with Gonçalo Ramos leading the line against his former club and Luka Modric pulling the strings in the engine room.
Benfica arrive full of confidence after a run of seven straight wins in all competitions, with Vangelis Pavlidis their main goal threat and only Alexander Bah missing through injury.
The two clubs are level from their four previous meetings, with one win apiece and two draws, so this opening night promises a tight, competitive contest.
AC Milan vs Benfica Form
AC Milan have taken eight points from their first four Serie A matches this season and top the form rankings ahead of this tie. They showed their fighting spirit last time out, coming from 2-0 down against Lazio to salvage a point, with Diego Moreira netting a brace off the bench. Modric and Ramos give them plenty of experience and cutting edge.
Benfica are flying, having won seven games on the spin in all competitions. Marco Silva's side cruised to a 3-1 win over Gil Vicente in their most recent Liga Portugal outing and sit fifth in the form rankings. Pavlidis spearheads a dangerous attack, while Rafa and Prestianni supply creativity in behind the striker.
AC Milan vs Benfica Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
AC Milan: None
Benfica: Alexander Bah (Injured/out)
AC Milan
AC Milan have a fully fit squad to choose from, with Matteo Gabbia back on the bench last weekend confirming a clean bill of health. Diego Moreira could come in for Pervis Estupinan after impressing against Lazio, while Alexis Saelemaekers may be recalled in attack.
Benfica
Benfica are without right-back Alexander Bah, their only confirmed absentee for the trip to the San Siro. Joao Palhinha should anchor the midfield after being used from the bench against Gil Vicente, giving the visitors a firm base in the engine room.
AC Milan vs Benfica Predicted Lineup
AC Milan
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Predicted Starting Lineup (probable): Maignan; Pavlovic, Winter, Gila; Moreira, Rabiot, Modric, Chukwueze; Loftus-Cheek, Saelemaekers; Ramos
Benfica
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Starting Lineup (probable): Soares; Dahl, Lenglet, Araújo, Banjaqui; Palhinha, Barreiro; Schjelderup, Prestianni, Rafa; Pavlidis
AC Milan vs Benfica Key Stats & Match Facts
AC Milan have seen under 2.5 goals in their last three matches against Benfica in all competitions.
The two clubs are level over four previous meetings, with one win each and two draws.
AC Milan have taken eight points from their first four Serie A matches this season.
Benfica have won seven games in a row in all competitions.
AC Milan top the form rankings for this competition, with Benfica fifth.
AC Milan vs Benfica Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: This one looks a genuinely close call. AC Milan hold home advantage at the San Siro and are marginal favourites, but Benfica's winning run makes them stubborn opponents. We are calling it a 2-2 draw, with goals at both ends.
Best Bets
Back Over 2.5 Goals in the Total Goals Over/Under market. The numbers point to an open contest, with an expected match total of 3.39 goals and a strong implied probability behind the line. Both attacks carry a threat, so backing goals makes plenty of sense.
Back Yes in the Both Teams To Score market. With AC Milan and Benfica each projected to find the net and both boasting quality forwards, this fits neatly alongside the goals angle. A tight, end-to-end night should see both sides on the scoresheet.
AC Milan vs Benfica Bet Builder
Our four-leg bet builder backs AC Milan to win, both teams to score, Vangelis Pavlidis to find the net and Gianluca Prestianni to be shown a card at the San Siro.
AC Milan hold home advantage and top the form rankings, so we fancy the hosts to edge a competitive night in front of their own supporters at the San Siro.
Both teams to score looks a solid leg, with each side projected to net and both carrying genuine quality in the final third across this fixture.
Pavlidis spearheads the Benfica attack as their primary goal threat, making the Greek forward a sensible anytime goalscorer pick against Milan.
Prestianni plays an aggressive attacking midfield role that regularly draws fouls and disciplinary attention, so a card for the youngster rounds off the selection nicely.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 25/1 and is as short as 14.67/1 elsewhere.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
AC Milan vs Benfica Talking Points
The stakes are clear from the noises coming out of both camps. Rúben Amorim has stated Milan's aim in this competition is to go all the way and win it, setting the tone for a serious European campaign at home. Benfica, for their part, are travelling with no fear, with defender Alessandro Circati insisting the squad is focused purely on winning. There is added personal edge too, with Gonçalo Ramos facing his former club and Benfica president Rui Costa returning to a San Siro that holds special significance for him. On the pitch it should be a proper test, with Milan's clean bill of health and top form ranking meeting a Benfica side riding a seven-game winning run.
AC Milan vs Benfica Predictions FAQs
When does AC Milan vs Benfica kick off?
AC Milan vs Benfica kicks off at 20:00 UK time on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Where is AC Milan vs Benfica being played?
The match is being played at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan.
Where can I watch AC Milan vs Benfica?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2.
What competition is AC Milan vs Benfica in?
AC Milan vs Benfica is taking place in the Europa League.
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