AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is likely to make a number of changes to the starting line-up that will face Monza compared to the team that beat Hellas Verona, a report claims.
According to this morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pioli is expected to change the defence in front of Ciprian Tatarusanu with Sergino Dest tipped to start at right-back and Pierre Kalulu to shift back to centre-back, alongside Fikayo Tomori and Theo Hernandez.
Sandro Tonali is likely to rest and thus Tommaso Pobega should partner Ismael Bennacer in the double pivot after the Algerian did not get the start in the win at the Bentegodi on Sunday night.
There will be alterations to the attack too with Junior Messias anticipated to start on the right wing, Brahim Diaz as the playmaker and Ante Rebic on the left behind centre-forward Divock Origi, who would make his first start.
Probable Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Dest, Kalulu, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Benncer, Pobega; Messias, Brahim Diaz, Rebic; Giroud.
Probably Monza XI (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Marlon, Mari, Caldirola; Ciurria, Barberis, Sensi, Carlos Augusto; Pessina, Caprari; Gytkjaer.
I’m not sure I trust Dest as RB. He would be much better playing where Messias is.
Why is Pioli insisting on playing with Diaz? 🙁
Diaz scored 2 goals this season. Anyone got better statistic than him in that position?
What’s your problem there?
Those you start at CB along Tomori. It’s Monza. Thiaw is not in UCL and Tomori is suspended.
Kjaer can come in for a late run in with Gabbia – if need be, since both will start in UCL midweek.
Kaluku should start as RB. Dest can come in later. Also, Theo should be rested. It’s Monza, Balo-Toure should be good enough. If he did well against Empoli, he should play this one too. Worse case scenario, Theo comes in later.
Pobega should start with Tonali. Vranckx can replace Tonali. Again, it’s Monza. Yes, no team should be underrated, but it’s wiser to be safe for UCL. That’s Milan’s DNA.
Rebic and Origi should start up front.
If Milan plays well, the game should be wrapped up in the first 45mins.
Agree that Kalulu should take the RB role – he is made for that position, might even improve Messias’ input. Gabbia or Thiaw in for Dest to partner Tomori.
Good to start strong and get ahead, then rest later if possible..