AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli will make some changes to his usual starting XI for the game against Red Star, a report claims.
Most Milan fans are already thinking about reclaiming top spot with a win in the derby next Sunday, but either side of that game there is a crucial Europa League Round of 32 tie to negotiate.
According to MilanLive, Pioli will rely on turnover, leaving out players who have shown that their tank is nearly running on empty. In defence, Simon Kjaer will be rested and Fikayo Tomori will come in, with the Dane being protected for the derby.
Gianluigi Donnarumma will be the goalkeeper with Alessio Romagnoli and Davide Calabria expected to be the full-backs, though the latter may be allowed to recover for the derby. Diogo Dalot could come in at left-back to let Theo Hernandez rest too.
In midfield, it is anticipated that Sandro Tonali will partner Franck Kessie so Ismael Bennacer can reach peak condition for the derby.
Mario Mandzukic has played against Atalanta, Bologna, Crotone and Spezia but has featured in no more than 25 minutes in each game. He should start in Belgrade with Rafael Leao and Samuel Castillejo on the left and right wing respectively.
The condition of Ante Rebic will have to be understood too, as Pioli hopes to have him back and firing on all cylinders for the derby.
This seasons derby is exceptional and mostly important to decide who deserves the league trophy,it’s good he’s planning along on