AC Milan vs Benfica Predicted Lineups and Team News – UEFA Europa League

AC Milan open their UEFA Europa League campaign in Milan against an in-form Benfica side in what already feels like a pivotal League Stage fixture. With both clubs starting on 0 points and 0 games played, this is about setting the tone for a long continental run rather than protecting an existing position in the table. Milan are listed 23rd in the overall League Round ranking with a Play Offs tag, while Benfica sit as high as 4th, underlining how strongly the Portuguese side are rated going into the group phase.

Stats suggest Benfica arrive with significantly sharper competitive rhythm. Their Europa League form line reads “LWWDWW”, built on 19 goals scored and only 6 conceded across 6 games, while AC Milan’s competition record is still blank. The comparison indices lean heavily towards Benfica in attack and recent form, and the outright predictions give the visitors a clear edge despite bookmakers marginally favouring the Rossoneri at San Siro. Against that backdrop, the focus naturally shifts to predicted lineups and how the expected starting lineup choices from both managers could tilt the balance.

With no official team sheets available yet, this preview concentrates on squad lists, known absences, and key statistical leaders – particularly Benfica’s prolific forwards – to build data-driven predicted lineups for tonight.

AC Milan Team News & Expected Lineups Today

AC Milan enter this League Stage opener without any confirmed injuries or suspensions listed, meaning the coach should have a full European squad to choose from. No significant absences reported. With no Europa League form string yet for this season, Milan’s approach is likely to be pragmatic: protect home advantage in Milan while trying to contain Benfica’s free-scoring attack.

Given the depth in defence and midfield, the expected setup should lean on a compact defensive block with experienced figures like F. Tomori and M. Gabbia at the back, supported by a technically strong midfield unit including R. Loftus-Cheek and L. Modrić. In the final third, pace and direct running from wide attackers such as S. Chukwueze and C. Pulišić, plus a central striker like Gonçalo Ramos, make up the core of any likely starting lineup.

AC Milan Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: M. Maignan
DF: M. Gabbia, Mario Gila, F. Tomori, D. Bartesaghi
MF: R. Loftus-Cheek, L. Modrić, Y. Musah
FW: C. Pulišić, S. Chukwueze, Gonçalo Ramos

This predicted lineup balances experience and dynamism. M. Maignan is the natural choice in goal from the available keepers, offering top-level shot-stopping and distribution. At the back, a core of M. Gabbia, Mario Gila and F. Tomori provides aerial presence and recovery pace, with D. Bartesaghi offering youthful energy on the flank.

In midfield, R. Loftus-Cheek brings ball-carrying power between the lines, while L. Modrić is expected to dictate tempo and progression from deeper areas. Y. Musah adds legs and pressing intensity to help Milan cope with Benfica’s high-tempo attacking phases. Further forward, C. Pulišić and S. Chukwueze give width, 1v1 threat and goal contribution from wide areas, supporting central striker Gonçalo Ramos, whose movement in the box will be crucial against Benfica’s centre-backs.

Benfica Team News & Expected Lineups Today

Benfica’s squad picture is slightly more complicated. Two players are listed as unavailable for this fixture: right-back A. Bah (Missing Fixture – Injury) and attacker Bruma (Missing Fixture – Off the roster). Both are therefore excluded from any predicted starting lineup. Even so, the Portuguese side arrive in excellent shape, with their league form string “LWWDWW” and a last-five record showing 18 goals scored and just 4 conceded, underlining why many will look closely at Benfica when assessing lineups today.

The coaching staff have alternated between attack-minded shapes, most often leaning on a system that allows a lone striker supported by a line of creative midfielders and wingers. With V. Pavlidis leading the Europa League scoring charts for Benfica and several midfielders featuring prominently in the assists rankings, the expected approach in Milan should be proactive: pressing high, attacking with numbers, and trusting their offensive firepower to trouble Milan’s back line.

Benfica Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: A. Trubin
DF: C. Lenglet, Tomás Araújo, S. El Karouani, S. Dahl
MF: F. Aursnes, L. Barreiro, H. Sudakov, J. Kamiński, Rafa
FW: V. Pavlidis

A. Trubin is the clear first-choice goalkeeper among the three available options and should start behind a back line anchored by C. Lenglet and Tomás Araújo, both of whom have already contributed goals in this Europa League campaign. With A. Bah ruled out, S. El Karouani and S. Dahl are logical picks to complete the defensive unit from the remaining defenders.

In midfield, F. Aursnes and L. Barreiro provide balance and work-rate in central zones, while H. Sudakov and J. Kamiński – both listed among the top assist contributors – offer creativity and ball progression. Rafa, another key figure in both goals and assists, is expected to operate as an advanced playmaker or wide forward, linking with star striker V. Pavlidis. Pavlidis’ numbers are outstanding: 5 goals and 1 assist in Europa League action, and he also tops the charts for yellow cards, underlining his aggressive, all-action style in the final third.

Options like D. Lukebakio, A. Schjelderup, J. Durán and G. Prestianni give Benfica significant firepower from the bench, but based on current attacking output, Pavlidis supported by Rafa and the creative midfield trio looks the most likely starting configuration.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

The absences are concentrated entirely on the Benfica side and could subtly reshape their right flank. Milan, by contrast, have no listed injuries or suspensions and can rotate freely, an advantage in terms of tactical flexibility and in-game adjustments.

AC Milan Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Benfica Absences:

• A. Bah — Injury (Missing Fixture)
• Bruma — Off the roster (Missing Fixture)

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

On paper, this looks like a clash between Milan’s structured, possession-oriented approach and Benfica’s high-tempo, vertical attacking game. Milan’s predicted back four will be tested by the movement of V. Pavlidis, whose penalty-box instincts and physical presence make him a constant threat. The interplay between Rafa, J. Kamiński and H. Sudakov in the half-spaces could drag Milan’s midfield three out of shape, especially if Modrić and Loftus-Cheek are forced to defend deeper than they would like.

For Milan, the key will be exploiting the spaces behind Benfica’s advanced full-backs. C. Pulišić and S. Chukwueze are well suited to attacking transitions, and if Milan can bypass Benfica’s first line of pressure, they can isolate C. Lenglet and Tomás Araújo in wide channels. Benfica’s Europa League stats show a strong attacking index and a solid but not impenetrable defence, particularly away from home. Milan’s ability to protect central zones against Benfica’s fluid midfield rotations, while still committing enough players forward to support Gonçalo Ramos, will likely decide whether they can turn territorial control into clear chances.

Match Prediction and Verdict

The prediction model leans towards Benfica as the most likely winner, with the winner field pointing to the Portuguese side and a split of 0% home win, 50% draw and 50% away win in the outcome percentages. That suggests a near coin-flip between a Benfica victory and a stalemate, with AC Milan rated as clear outsiders in that particular projection.

However, the pre-match odds from major bookmakers tell a more nuanced story. Home odds range from 2.05 to 2.14, implying an approximate home win probability between about 46.7% and 48.8%. Away odds sit between 3.20 and 3.49, translating to roughly 28.7%–31.3% implied probability, while draw odds of 3.40–3.62 imply around 27.6%–29.4%. In other words, the market slightly favours AC Milan at San Siro, while the predictive model is more bullish on Benfica’s recent form and attacking numbers.

Balancing Benfica’s strong Europa League form and firepower with Milan’s home advantage and full squad availability, this feels like a tight contest where the visitors may have a marginal edge in open play, but the hosts retain enough quality to avoid defeat.

Predicted Outcome: AC Milan 1–1 Benfica

How to Watch AC Milan vs Benfica Worldwide

Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:

• Spain: Local sports broadcaster / streaming platform
• UK: Major pay-TV sports channel or official UEFA streaming partner
• USA / North America: National soccer network or dedicated streaming service
• South America: Regional cable sports network and online platforms
• MENA: Pan-regional satellite sports broadcaster