Italian giants AC Milan will be in serious danger of crashing out of the Champions League if they cannot get a positive result at Anderlecht in Wednesday's encounter.
Milan are second in Group C, five points behind Malaga, who have already qualified for the knockout rounds. However, Anderlecht (4 points) and Zenit (3 points) are still in with a chance of upsetting Milan, and grabbing a place in the last-16.
"It is an important game and we must pick up four points in the final two matches to guarantee qualification," Milan manager Maissimiliano Alegri said. "Anderlecht are playing very well so it will be a tough match.
"As a team we didn't commit too many errors against Napoli (on Saturday) but there were individual mistakes. We will already know what the Zenit score is but I think the group will be decided on the final matchday.
"I knew from the start that this group was very tough, and now the last two matches will be decisive. We are now much better mentally and physically. I would have preferred to have nine points by now, but the reality is we only have five and that is what we deserve."
Anderlecht manager John Van De Brom knows a loss against Milan will end the Belgian side's chances of qualification. "In the Champions League you always have to be at your best when you want to achieve something," he said. Against Malaga (a 3-0 home loss) we did not reach that level and were punished for that. However, in recent weeks we have reached our top level, with good team performances and organisation.
"However, the same goes for Milan, who have also become much better since the away match (a 0-0 draw). Looking at the standings both teams need a win. I hope for a nice open match, but that does not really fit with Milan and we will also have to play a realistic style."
In team news, Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini is ruled out, while Ignazio Abate, Daniele Bonera and Luca Antonini are also missing. For Anderlecht, Olivier Deschacht is back, but Ronald Vargas remains out.
To watch Anderlecht vs AC Milan Live Stream, click here.
Expected lineups: Anderlecht: Proto; Gillet, Kouyate, Nuytinck, Safari; Biglia, Kljestan; Bruno, Praet, Jovanovic; Mbokani.
Milan: Abbiati; De Sciglio, Mexes, Acerbi, Constant; Montolivo, De Jong, Nocerino; Boateng, El Shaarawy, Pato.
Prediction: 2-0 to Milan
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