Newcastle are set to return to the Champions League after a 20-year absence
AC Milan are coming off a humiliating four-goal loss to Inter Milan in the Serie A
AC Milan reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season

Newcastle’s return to Europe’s top competition is finally here.

The Magpies travel to the San Siro tonight to face Italian powerhouse AC Milan in the Champions League.

Read on below for a preview of this Group F clash.

AC Milan, Newcastle, Newcastle United, Sandro Tonali, Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, Rafael Leao — Sandro Tonali talks to the media during a Champions League press conference on September 18, 2023; Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic discuss tactics in the match against Inter Milan. Images: Serena Taylor/ Elianton.
Source: Getty Images

AC Milan vs. Newcastle Betting Preview

Where: San Siro, Italy

When: Tuesday, September 19, 9:00 pm CEST

Odds: AC Milan 2.67 vs. Newcastle 2.76, Draw 3.58; total: 2.5 - view all lines

Betting on AC Milan (2.67)

AC Milan got a rude awakening in their last match against crosstown rivals Inter Milan, absorbing a heavy 5-1 loss over the weekend, per Sports Illustrated.

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It was Milan’s first loss of the 2023-24 Serie A season as they dropped to third on the league table.

They will look to get back on track when they host Newcastle in their Champions League group opener tonight.

They came close to reaching the Champions League final last season, losing 3-0 on aggregate to Inter in the semi-finals.

Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao are expected to lead Milan’s attack against Newcastle.

They have combined for eight goals and three assists in Serie A this season.

Betting on Newcastle (2.76)

After a long 20-year absence, Newcastle finally return to Europe’s biggest club competition tonight.

Newcastle’s last Champions League appearance came in March 2003 when they lost 2-0 at home to Barcelona, per the BBC.

The Magpies secured a spot in this year’s Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.

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One person who is excited about the game against the seven-time European champions is Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe.

He revealed at a press conference that he has not attended a Champions League match before, even as a spectator.

Playing in the San Siro may be a daunting task for the Newcastle players, but not for Sandro Tonali, who saw action for Milan the past three seasons before his summer transfer to England.

Newcastle have had a rough start to their Premier League campaign this season, losing three of their five matches.

They snapped their three-match losing streak in the league with a 1-0 victory against Brentford last Saturday.