AC Milan are preparing to take to the field for their first game of the 2020-21 season against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night.
Head coach Stefano Pioli will not have a full squad at his disposal, with Ante Rebic banned for the first three Europa League games and quartet Alessio Romagnoli, Mateo Musacchio, Andrea Conti and Rafael Leao all out through injury.
According to MilanNews, Pioli will go to a familiar system and players who give him the most assurances against a side that have won nine of their first 11 League of Ireland games.
As confirmed today at the conference, Pioli will be able to rely on Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede has recovered well from the blow that kept him out against Brescia and Vicenza in preseason and will start the game.
From left to right he will be supported by Saelemaekers, Calhanoglu and Castillejo. Brahim Diaz will start on the bench ready to inject energy and trickery if needed.
The proven duo of Kessie-Bennacer will hold the midfield fort protecting the centre-back duo of Kjaer and Gabbia. At right-back will be Calabria and at left-back will be Theo Hernandez, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.
Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjaer, Gabbia, Theo; Kessie, Bennacer; Castillejo, Calhanoglu, Saelemaekers; Ibrahimovic.
is better to start with diaz or rebbic