Whenever a big game is on the cards, you can always expect some high-quality player battles. That is definitely the case with Roma-Milan tonight.
After two consecutive wins, boosting their confidence a little, Milan need to send a big signal to their city rivals with a win against Roma tonight. However, the Giallorossi are also keen on clinching the three points, knowing that it would cement them in the top-four race.
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Since Massimiliano Allegri is only dealing with one absence, namely Santiago Gimenez, he also has a lot of options for the starting eleven. It seems there will be some tactical decisions involved rather than just consistency.
Roma vs. AC Milan: Five key battles
Starting at the back for Milan, it’s obvious that they will need to keep an extra eye on Paulo Dybala. The Argentine has been involved in 13 (!) goals against the Rossoneri in his career, so despite the penalty miss in the reverse fixture, this is a game that he likes.
Since Matias Soule is starting to the left in attack, Dybala should start from the right and that likely means he will find himself against Koni De Winter. The Belgian isn’t the fastest but he’s strong, so he will need to get close to the Roma star quickly when needed, making it a physical battle instead.
On Milan’s right flank, Alexis Saelemaekers has recovered just in time for the game and since he spent last season on loan at Roma, he will be fired up. We saw that a lot in the reverse fixture, getting into altercations with several of his old teammates.
Wesley wasn’t at Roma last season, though, so the conversations between the two got even more heated. The Brazilian has shown to be an attacking force and although he looks more comfortable on the right, he has done well on the left too. As such, Saelemaekers will have to remain composed.
In the middle of the pitch, a lot will revolve around Luka Modric for Milan but the feeling is that he will get a lot of protection. Indeed, Adrien Rabiot will surely make use of his size and strength to give the Croatian some space in the build-up.
It seems likely that the Frenchman will find himself in some physical battles with Bryan Cristante, another tall and strong player. The former Milan man certainly doesn’t mind doing the work and if he gets to close to Modric, the veteran could struggle.
Up front, Christopher Nkunku is the favourite to start ahead of Christian Pulisic as Allegri has a gameplan similar to the one we saw against Como. Subsequently, the Frenchman will have to do his best to act as a reference point.
This is easier said than done against Evan Ndicka, who is a very strong and experienced centre-back. He’s definitely a big part why Roma have been so good defensively this season, conceding just 12 goals so far.
Finally, as Allegri seems to be banking a lot on the No.10, Rafael Leao’s ability to make use of the counter-attacks will be crucial tonight. The idea is that Nkunku’s movement will allow him to drift wide more, where he can do a lot of damage to Roma.
The battles with Gianluca Mancini will definitely be interesting. Over the years, the winner has shifted between the two, so it’s definitely to predict who will come out on top this time out.
