Fikayo Tomori will be suspended for AC Milan’s clash against Dinamo Zagreb due to the red card he received against Chelsea. This has given Stefano Pioli a lot to think about, especially due to Sergino Dest’s fatigue.
The red card has been heavily debated and the general opinion seems to be that it was the wrong call. There’s nothing Pioli can do about that, though, as he will have to come up with a solution for the game against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.
As reported by Gazzetta Dello Sport, the initial idea was to start Pierre Kalulu and Simon Kjaer in the centre of defence. However, as Sergino Dest might miss the game due to fatigue, Kalulu could be forced to start on the right.
This would result in a centre-back partnership between Matteo Gabbia and Kjaer. In the midfield, Sandro Tonali will be back from start, just like Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud who all were rested on Saturday.
Obviously, a lot will depend on the recovery of Dest and Diaz but this is the likely lineup for now (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Kalulu (Dest), Gabbia, Kjaer, Theo; Tonali, Bennacer; Messias, De Ketelaere (Diaz), Leao; Giroud.
Please Kalulu should start not DEST please and please
Our defence is too slow
The risk of starting Dest at right back outweighs the lack of speed in the centre backs available , at least at the start. This is a must win game for us.
Tata, Kalulu(Dest), Kjaer, Gabbia, Theo, Bennacer, Tonali, Diaz (Messias),De Ketelaere (Krunic),Leao (Rebic),Giroud (Origi)
Be honest dude, Dest is improving.
Gabbia and Kjaer a very slow pairing. They dont exude confidence tbh. Ideally Dest can play and we have Kalulu at least to replace either Kjaer or Gabbia.
I despise 3 men defense, but because of Tomori suspension thus might be the game where I would actually go with 3 at the back
3-5-2
Tatarusanu
Kalulu, Kjaer, Gabbia
Dest, Tonali, Bennacer, CDK, Theo
Origi, Leao.
Dest looked good/confident v Monza and he has talent and has shown he can play at a high level at Barca as well as for USMNT… Because Dinamo Zagreb’s way of scoring is on fast counterattacks (that’s how they scored and beat Chelsea), it would be better for us if Kalulu was CB and Dest RB so we have more speed and ability to track back to help stop counters. Without Tomori, we need that speed.
It depends, if we keep a high line with high press kalulu would be better at CB but if we get pushed back under pressure then Dest will become a liability at RB as defensively he is suspect. I have a feeling Pioli will go for Dest at RB as his form of defense this year is attack and to keep a high line but we have looked leaky all season, giving loads of space to the opposition hence the high goals conceded this season.
Dest isn’t available for the trip to Zagreb.
It’s a shame there’s no name Malick Thiaw in the Champions Squad. It should be with a long injury florenzi, can enter Malick Thiaw. Because Florenzi’s position can be replaced with Kalulu.
I am very confident of a victory,,especially with Oliver Giroud up front and pace of rafeol Leao alongside him .I expect Olivier to score in this match …
The line up looks pretty good ..We are still in the champions leauge ,and of course can win the scuddeto again this season ..We have a good squad and a great manager in pioli .