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AC Milan vs Sparta Prague: Rossoneri to end group stage in style

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Having already progressed to the knockout stages, the high flying Italian outfit now have in mind to finish as section winners.

AC Milan take a trip to Prague for their culminating Europa League group stage game on Thursday night.

A stunning comeback victory against Celtic last week means they have already booked their place in the next round of the competition.

The second-placed team in Group H now aim to secure the top spot with a win on matchday 6, although they’ll finish as leaders only if Celtic successfully take down group leaders Lille.

As for Sparta Prague, they will be playing for nothing except pride. The fate of the already-eliminated team from the Czech Republic is decided.

AC Milan vs Sparta Prague Form:

The Serie A side have been in sparkling form this season. They remain unbeaten in the league after 10 rounds and have averaged an impressive 2.3 goals per match.

Milan’s only defeat this season across all competition came in the Europa League matchday 3 when they were humbled 3-0 by Lille.

A winning streak of three games and a 2-1 win against Sampdoria last time out will be enough gives Stefano Pioli’s men more than enough reasons to believe they can snatch all three points on Thursday.

Sparta’s qualification hopes for Last-32 were slashed after a 2-1 loss against the Group H leaders last week.

The Prague-based side, however, are in fine form back home, sitting second in the Czech First League after being seven wins in their opening 10 games so far.

They will hope to bring some of that domestic form into Europe and cause an upset at the Generali Arena.

AC Milan vs Head-to-head:

The away side hold a clear advantage over their hosts, having emerged victorious in two of the three meetings.

Brahim Diaz, Rafael Leao, and Diogo Dalot were on target in the 3-0 win for their side in the reverse fixture.

AC Milan vs Sparta Prague Team News:

Zlatan Ibrahimovic still hasn’t recovered and will play no part while Mateo Musacchio and Rafael Leao also remain unavailable.

Pioli is also expected to make a number of changes as has a great opportunity to hand his key players some much-needed rest ahead of a crowded schedule in December.

Libor Kozak and Adam Hlozek remain absent through injury for Václav Kotal’s side.

Predicted line-ups:

Sparta Prague (3-5-2): Nita; Krejci II, Pavelka, Plechaty; Hanousek, Soucek, Travnik, Karabec, Vindheim; Julis, Karlsson

AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Conti, Duarte, Gabbia, Dalot; Krunic, Tonali; Castillejo, Diaz, Hauge; Colombo

AC Milan vs Sparta Prague Latest Odds:

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