Any less than three points is a disaster. Already losing to Udinese at San Siro this season, the away leg must be a victory.
Milan are in a slump. With back to back losses and then a draw before that, This is arguably the worst form the Rossoneri have found all season. Things are not all bleak though. The two losses came at the hands of Juventus and Napoli; undoubtedly the best teams on the peninsula. Furthermore, the game against Juventus was in the Coppa Italia and not Serie A, and to build on that both games were winnable with good showings from the team in each fixture.
Meanwhile, Udinese have it worse. With three consecutive losses and a draw before that, they sit a sum of twelve points below Milan. For both teams the win on Sunday is crucial.
THE TEAMS
Montella will have to chose who to play on the wing now with Deulofeu making his Milan debut having impressive displays early.
Paletta is expected to regain his starting role in the defense after a much deserved rest during midweek at Juventus. Locatelli received a red card in the previous match but will be available Sunday as his suspension is exclusive to the Coppa Italia.
Udinese will find most of their success on the counter attack, as on paper this would be the only way their players will be superior to Milan’s squad.
AC Milan Probable XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Abate, Paletta, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; Kucka, Locatelli, Pasalic; Suso, Bacca, Bonaventura.
Udinese Probable XI (4-3-3): Karnezis; Faraoni, Danilo, Felipe, Samir; Hallfredsson, Fofana, Jankto; Paul, Zapata, Théréau.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
With all the hate and malice thrown his way, it’s hard to now justify it after seeing our other leftback’s attempt to replace De Sciglio. After missing three matches to injury it is now clear whom our strongest left back is.
Of course the likes of Bacca, Suso and Bonaventura will be crucial if Milan are able to get the first goal and set the tempo, This time lets hope that is enough to sink Udinese in their house.
Duvan Zapata is always a threat on goal and with him leading the front line yet again, the chance of him breaking off in a counter attack is frightening.
LAST TIME THEY MET
The two sides played a game that is not reflected in the score. Milan lost the game after an 88′ goal that was largely due to a goalkeeper error from the young Donnarumma. Throughout the game Milan appeared the aggressors with the most chances and 64% of possession.
Unfortunately for Milan, most those chances were either saved or on the woodwork and the counter attack punished. Udinese would win the game 1-0 at the San Siro.
Carlos Bacca has never scored a goal against Udinese and they have won five of their last eight home games against Milan.
There is room for encouragement for the Diavolo though, as Udinese have only scored once in their last three Serie A matches.
