On the eve of the derby between Inter and AC Milan at San Siro, head coach Paulo Fonseca has several selection decisions to make which could have big implications on his future.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Fonseca could be sacked if he does not obtain a positive result against Inter and this means that he must get every choice right, starting with the defence.
According to the latest from Gianluca Di Marzio, there are no big surprises planned despite the 3-1 defeat against Liverpool in midweek and Fonseca should still field his ‘typical’ team, starting with Maignan in goal given that he has recovered from the blow that forced him off in midweek.
In defence, Emerson Royal and Theo Hernandez are ready to occupy the flanks with Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic in the middle. The latter, however, could make way for Matteo Gabbia.
In midfield, the Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek double pivot should remain with Tijjani Reijnders who playing as an attacking midfielder behind Alvaro Morata.
Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao are expected to play on the wings, with Tammy Abraham, Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze off the bench, plus Yunus Musah who could yet start in the pivot.
Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal, Tomori, Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez; Loftus-Cheek, Fofana; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Morata.
I still think 20M for Pavlovic is almost on the level of buying Emerson. In 3 months he won’t be a starter. What a waste of money this season, it would be better if they donated the money to someone who needs it and had the same team.
What are you smoking? Pavlo is a unit
20+15=Buongiorno. Our best defender is Gabbia at the moment. Why he won’t play? The other names are fine. The problem is with the whole philosophy.
Don’t play Royal & Pavlovic, play Calabria & Gabbia instead
Why would any normal human being start Emerson Royal? Smh.
I’m afraid a crushing defeat is unavoidable.