Both desperately needing points to stay in contention for a place in the Champions League knockout stage, Dinamo Zagreb and AC Milan clash at Stadion Maksimir on Tuesday night.
While the Croatian champions have taken just one point from their last three Group E games, their Italian counterparts' only win to date came in last month's reverse fixture at San Siro.
Match preview
© Reuters
Following a pair of chastening defeats to current group leaders Chelsea - for the concession of five goals, with none scored - Milan sit level with their penultimate opponents Dinamo Zagreb at the bottom of the table.
Events on the Champions League's fourth matchday saw the Rossoneri fall three points adrift of Graham Potter's side - and two behind second-placed RB Salzburg - as they slipped to a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge; former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori being dismissed in the 18th minute proving a major turning point.
Head coach Stefano Pioli may have worked wonders in Serie A over the past two years, with the culmination being Milan's first Scudetto for a decade, but has now won just two of 10 matches at Europe's elite level; losing six times.
Having secured a fourth straight domestic victory at the weekend, by sweeping aside Lombardy neighbours Monza to stay in touch with league leaders Napoli, Pioli's men must now translate such form onto the continental stage or face falling at the group phase again.
Milan will be unable to reach the last 16 if they lose by three goals or more on Tuesday, and also if they lose by any margin and Salzburg beat Chelsea. On the other hand, six points from their final two games would give them every chance of progressing, or at least receiving a pass to the Europa League.
As they head to the Croatian capital, the Rossoneri have precedent firmly on their side: the seven-time European champions have won all five previous encounters with their hosts, scoring three times on four of those occasions.
© Reuters
In the first meeting between the clubs for 22 years, last month Dinamo tackled their Italian rivals fresh from a famous victory on Group E's opening night, when they downed Chelsea at Stadion Maksimir.
The runaway HNL leaders have lost only one of their last five home matches in the Champions League - including a draw with Salzburg last time out - but were beaten 3-1 in Milan, having only Mislav Orsic's second-half goal to show for their efforts on the night.
Ante Cacic's side perhaps should have picked up all three points from their tussle with the Austrian champions, having created the better chances in Zagreb, and a Robert Ljubicic equaliser just before the break was almost followed up in second-half stoppage time, when Petar Bockaj's 25-yard free kick crashed against the woodwork.
If they are to survive in Europe until after the World Cup, Dinamo must make the most of their final home game, as they will be unable to reach the last 16 if they lose and Chelsea avoid defeat.
Since claiming their fourth straight Croatian title last term, the Blues have continued to dominate domestically; sitting eight points clear in the HNL following a 1-1 draw with closest challengers Hajduk Split on Friday. Like Milan, they now seek to bring such form to bear in the white heat of the Champions League crucible.
Team News
© Reuters
After a rare week at work on the training ground at Milanello, Stefano Pioli still opted to make seven changes to his side ahead of their win against Monza, so his injury-hit squad should arrive in Croatia with relatively fresh legs.
However, with Fikayo Tomori suspended following his red card against Chelsea, and Brahim Diaz having to be withdrawn after scoring twice at the weekend, the Milan manager will be forced to shuffle his pack once again.
Recently returned from injury, Simon Kjaer should start at the back, partnered by either Matteo Gabbia or Pierre Kalulu. In Davide Calabria's ongoing absence, the latter could shift right and Sergino Dest - who came off with a knock on Saturday - would be dropped.
Despite Divock Origi scoring on his delayed full debut, Olivier Giroud returns from a rest to lead the line up front, supported by top scorer Rafael Leao. Meanwhile, Alexis Saelemaekers, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan all remain sidelined.
Dinamo named a strong lineup for their top-of-the-table clash with Hajduk Split, though Luka Ivanusec is likely to be recalled after only featuring as a substitute on Friday. That may mean teenage talent Martin Baturina is consigned to the bench.
The hosts could also opt for a three-man central defence, while experienced captain Arijan Ademi anchors the midfield.
Mislav Orsic - the club's leading scorer in European competition, with 19 goals - partners Bruno Petkovic in attack.
Dinamo Zagreb possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Ristovski, Peric, Sutalo; Misic; Moharrami, Ademi, Ljubicic, Ivanusec; Orsic, Petkovic
AC Milan possible starting lineup:
Tatarusanu; Kalulu, Gabbia, Kjaer, Hernandez; Tonali, Bennacer; Messias, De Ketelaere, Leao; Giroud
We say: Dinamo Zagreb 2-2 AC Milan
Bedeviled by injuries, Milan have kept only one clean sheet in their last 11 games, and as Dinamo have little to lose, this Group E contest could develop into an open affair. The points are set to be shared - to the satisfaction of neither side - and both teams' fate may well be decided on the final day.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
