Predictions and odds for the 1st week of the Champions League

It was a summer of change for both European giants as they parted ways with their long-serving managers. Milan parted ways with Stefano Pioli after five seasons at the helm, including a Serie A title and a Champions League semi-final appearance. Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp parted ways after nine incredibly successful years.

Now both sides are struggling with growing pains. Liverpool started the season hotly under new manager Arne Slot, winning their first three games without conceding a goal. At the weekend they suffered their first defeat of the season at home to Nottingham Forest.

Milan, on the other hand, have had a slower start to the season under Paulo Fonseca. They have conceded six goals in four games so far, leaving them with a 1-1-2 record at the start of the season.

Christian Pulisic, on the other hand, has been in top form recently, scoring two goals and providing two assists in his last three games. Along with Rafael Leao on the opposite wing, he will continue to be Milan's biggest goal threat against Liverpool. Given the high line Liverpool like to use and the defensive weaknesses caused by their attack-minded full-backs (especially Trent Alexander-Arnold), Milan should be able to create some chances.

How well they convert these chances will determine whether they can cause a surprise against Liverpool in Week 1.

Quotas over DraftKings Sports Betting.

Money line:

Milan: +285

Draw: +280

Liverpool: -110

Total number of goals:

Over 2.5: -175

Under 2.5: +135

Both teams score a goal:

Yes: -190 No: +150

This could be the most entertaining match of the first game of the season. Milan have scored at least three goals in every single game this season. They are quick and creative on the wings but have not been able to build a solid defensive base.

Liverpool have had no problems creating chances and scoring away from home in the past and they have continued that trend this season, scoring five goals in two away games. Mo Salah already has three goals and three assists to his name, while Luis Diaz has also contributed to four goals this season.

With Salah, Diaz, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nuñez, Liverpool simply have too much firepower not to score at least one goal. Regardless of who starts alongside Salah in the front three, the Reds will cause plenty of trouble for Milan's new and inexperienced centre-back pairing of Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic.

From our own Max Mallow:

AC Milan have scored in 23 of their last 24 home games and Liverpool have scored in 39 of their last 40 away games. For Liverpool, this is an immediate chance to bounce back after they failed to score at home to Nottingham Forest, while AC Milan have just recorded their first win of the Serie A season.

Tip: Both teams to score – Yes: -190

The game odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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