RB Salzbourg v AC Milan: Predicted line-ups for Europa League clash

RB Salzbourg and AC Milan meet on Thursday, 15 October, in the second round of the Europa League, with the Italian side travelling to Austria after an intense Serie A fixture against Sassuolo.

AC Milan will be aiming to secure victory against a youthful Salzbourg team known for playing without inhibition. Both clubs have several important absences, but the visitors are still expected to field a strong side.

RB Salzbourg

RB Salzbourg will be without a number of players who are either ineligible or unavailable through injury. Christian Zawieschitzky, Anrie Chase, Nikolas Veratschnig, Soumaila Diabate, Justin Omoregie, Filip Matijasevic, Johannes Moser, Damir Redzic and Enrique Aguilar are all expected to miss the match.

Christian Fruchtl is likely to start in goal, with Tim Drexler and Kevin Boma expected to form the centre of the defence. Dominik Schmid and Stefan Lainer could complete the back four.

Frans Kratzig and Abubakr Barry are the probable choices in defensive midfield, while Yorbe Vertessen, Sota Kitano and Jesper Lindstrøm are set to operate further forward.

Karim Konate is expected to lead the attack for the Austrian side.

Probable RB Salzbourg XI: Christian Fruchtl; Dominik Schmid, Tim Drexler, Kevin Boma, Stefan Lainer; Frans Kratzig, Abubakr Barry; Yorbe Vertessen, Sota Kitano, Jesper Lindstrøm; Karim Konate.

AC Milan

Ruben Amorim will be unable to call on Matteo Gabbia, who is suffering from a thigh strain, or Alexis Saelemaekers, who has undergone ankle surgery.

However, several key players remain available for the trip to Austria. Goncalo Ramos, Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze are all expected to feature in a competitive AC Milan line-up.

Mike Maignan is set to start in goal, with Strahinja Pavlovic, Koni De Winter and Mario Gila likely to make up a three-man defence.

Pervis Estupinan, Adrien Rabiot, Luka Modric and Samuel Chukwueze are the predicted midfielders. Omari Hutchinson and Christian Pulisic are expected to support Goncalo Ramos in attack.

Probable AC Milan XI: Mike Maignan; Strahinja Pavlovic, Koni De Winter, Mario Gila; Pervis Estupinan, Adrien Rabiot, Luka Modric, Samuel Chukwueze; Omari Hutchinson, Christian Pulisic; Goncalo Ramos.

The match is the second Europa League fixture for both teams. The listed odds make AC Milan the favourites at 1.70, while both RB Salzbourg and a draw are priced at 3.80.