Tips Feed

Como have averaged 5.5 shots on target per 90 in Serie A this season, managing at least four in 18 of their 24 league outings. That includes their reverse fixture against AC Milan, just over a month ago, in which they racked up as many as eight, their 3rd-highest tally of the current campaign.

Milan undeniably lack quality in defence, although Massimiliano Allegri has done a fantastic job to shore things up at the back. Nevertheless, the Milan have conceded at least four shots on target in 11 of their 24 league games. Notably, this selection has landed in each of their five meetings with sides currently placed in the league’s top four, indicating that Como, who boast the league’s 3rd-best offensive record, could easily profit once more.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for either side ahead of this match, and I’m expecting this season-defining encounter to be a fiery affair.

Milan pick up cards at a significantly higher rate when spurred on by the Curva Sud at the San Siro, but so too do their opponents. Eight of their 11 home clashes have produced over 3.5 cards, with those games averaging as many as 4.27. This line is particularly reliable when Milan are tasked with facing stronger opposition, landing in seven of their 11 meetings with current top-half sides.

Como, meanwhile, have been awarded more cards than any other team in Serie A, averaging 2.5 per 90 alone. Typically, they draw their opponents in just as well, with the two combining to average an impressive 4.83 cards per game. This selection has landed in 18 of their 24 league outings to date.

Como saw their unbeaten run abruptly ended at the weekend, as Fiorentina pulled off a shock result on their travels. With Como battling for the European spots, and Fiorentina near the relegation zone, the hosts came in as heavy pre-match favourites, but La Viola were able to hold on to a 2-1 victory. Como dominated proceedings in the second half and had the lion’s share of possession, but were unable to make it count. 

Nico Paz accounted for seven of his sides’ 16 shots, and he hit the target once. With nine goals and six assists to his name after 27 appearances this season, Nico Paz is usually the player that Como turn to when they need a moment of inspiration, but he was unable to provide it on this occasion. 

Still, the 22-year-old is averaging 4.03 shots per 90 across all competitions, and he recorded eight shots with four on target when he last faced AC Milan.

Como were left frustrated against Fiorentina last time out, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on Saturday afternoon. La Viola are currently struggling at the bottom of the Serie A standings, and that was only their fourth league win of the season. 

Martin Baturina started and played the full 90 in that match on the left wing, during which he was fouled twice. The Croatian international has been a tricky player to contain this season, and he is averaging 2.65 fouls drawn per 90 across all competitions. 

In the most recent head-to-head meeting against AC Milan, Como suffered just five fouls as a team, but Baturina accounted for two of those, despite only playing 60 minutes. The 22-year-old is an ever-present outlet on the flank, and usually looks to try and beat his marker, which bodes well for this selection.