AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli will welcome Rafael Leao back into the starting line-up for tonight’s do-or-die Champions League game against Newcastle, a report claims.
According to the latest update from La Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (seen below), Pioli is expected to field Mike Maignan in goal with a back four of Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez and Theo Hernandez in front of the Frenchman.
Theo will play centrally alongside Tomori again by virtue of necessity, because Simon Kjaer has not recovered in time from his muscle problem and Davide Bartesaghi should be the only defender available on the bench.
The midfield three should then consist of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tijjani Reijnders and Yunus Musah which has become the first choice trio for big games it seems.
They will be operating behind a front three of Christian Pulisic, Olivier Giroud and the returning Rafael Leao, with Pulisic diverting back to his favoured right wing given that Leao is fully fit and can start.
Probable Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Hernandez, Florenzi; Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders, Musah; Pulisic, Giroud, Leao.
Probable Newcastle XI (4-3-3): Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
Hernandez at CB again – Lol
This is a great line up ,,with a great result possible..
This is almost the best line up we could possibly add ..
Our front line looks formidable,,,but unfortunately defence is / or looks a little weak…
The good news I do believe we will win …
If we do let’s hope we can move forward..
So so pleased Rafeo leao will be starting …Olivier Giroud to score yet again..don’t rule that out !
We are AC Milan ..
Bro, I dont know for the others but I missed your optimism around here 😁
Unfortunately I won’t see the game live 🙁 but I’ll record it for later..just have to stay away from socials.
I second that comment on optimism.
I almost feel like I’m in the locker room with him giving us a pep talk before the matches 😁
Useless Formation and and Wrong Failed Selection.
We arr Minus Three, Florenzi,Calabria and Giroud ard all Minus,we are 8 against 11.
Is D Bertesaghi Decoration,are Chekueza and Okafur and Jovatic game watchers
I mean, Bertesaghi is an LB an at 17 years I think Florenzi would be better than him. Would you really put Chuk in for Pulisic? Okafor is not fit. I’m 50/50 with Giroud and Jovic but both of them are in form so I would go with Giroud’s experience. TBH not sure how better to line up tonight given all the injuries and ineligible players (due to UCL squad list).
I’m tired of Milan losing everytime, plus I don’t think psg will lose to dortmund
Midfield is just horribly below Milan standard.
Really? Because a few years ago we had Kucka, Montolivo and Poli…
And they were far below “below Milan standard” lol
I guess what I’m saying is that it’s all relative. We might not have the best midfield we’ve ever had right now, but if we’ve had Kucka, Montolivo and Poli, then this one can’t be “horribly” below standard. Just somewhat below standard. Trying to be positive here. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Calabria and Tomori should never ever play a single game for ACM. They are just a hole in defensive line. Noting else. Actually, when opponent strikers see these two are playing, they are super motivated to score goals against ACM. It is sad sad time to watch such a pathetic defense as ACM fan. But it’s a great time for our oponents to humiliate us!
Pioli Tactis….
Send the ball to Leao and let him run and run and run
Thats Its…
I don’t understand why Pioli doesn’t play Calabria at CB instead of Theo. Then you can have only 1 player playing out of position instead of 2. Florenzi could play on his natural left side and Theo can be back where he belongs on the left. But then again, Pioli is a master of tactics and it’s been working so well so far.
*Florenzi on the right I mean.*