Europa League team news and prediction: AC Milan vs Man Utd

Unlike six of the other round-of-16 Europa League ties, there is still everything to play for when AC Milan host Manchester United on Thursday night.

Ahead of this meeting between two of Europe's heavyweight clubs, we have all your need-to-know matchday information in one place, including team news, where the game is taking place and when you can watch it.

When is kick off?
Thursday 17th March, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
San Siro, Milan (Italy)
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 2

First Leg Recap

Manchester United looked set for a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the first leg, courtesy of Amad Diallo's first goal for the club, only to concede a soft stoppage time equaliser. It's the least AC Milan deserved, in truth. The Italian outfit were by far the better side and had a goal bizarrely chalked off in opening 15 minutes. Milan had more than twice as many shots (15) as United (7) and more shots on target (5) than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side (2).

Team News

AC Milan had a long list of first-team regulars absent in the first leg, which made their performance even more impressive. They have since recovered former United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic from injury, with Theo Hernandez, Ante Rebic, Ismael Bennacer and Hakan Calhanoglu also now available for the home side.

Manchester United were without Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba from the first leg but the latter pair are now available for selection. David de Gea and Donny van de Beek are also back for the away side but neither are expected to start. Eric Bailly misses out through injury, with Victor Lindelof set to start on Thursday night in his absence,

Probable XIs:

AC Milan (4231): Donnarumma; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Hernandez; Meite, Kessie; Saelemaekers, Calhanoglu, Krunic; Leao 

Man Utd (4231): Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; James, Fernandes, Rashford; Greenwood

Key Battle: Hakan Calhanoglu vs Bruno Fernandes

Supporters were depreived of this head-to-head in the first leg but should get to see it in Italy with Calhanoglu back from injury. It's safe to say the player that sees the ball most out of these two will likely be on the winning side.  

Calhanoglu has really kicked on post-lockdown last year and Milan desperately need to secure his long-term future with his contract up at the end of the season. The Turkey international has provided at least four more assists than any other player in Serie A since football resumed in the summer last year (16).

Fernandes is the undisputed star of this United side and they will again lean on him to inspire them into the next round. The 26-year-old had a relatively quiet game in the first leg but still produced a magical pass for United to open the scoring. Fernandes has six goals and two assists in nine appearances in Europe this season to go with his 26 goal involvements in the Premier League this season.

Scoreline Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Man Utd