After their victory against Empoli on Sunday, AC Milan cannot afford to celebrate for too long, as they have an important clash against Slavia Praha awaiting them on Thursday night.
The ‘business end of the season’ is proving to be just that for Milan, as they continue in their efforts to end the season on a high note. After overtaking Juventus with their result from Sunday, it is hoped it will provide the confidence to spur the side on to their objectives.
There have been many struggles for the Rossoneri this season, but at this stage, they cannot fall victim to congestion. As a result, the pressure, more so than ever, falls on Pioli to get his rotation spot on. Therefore, ahead of Thursday’s fixture, changes are expected.
As MilanNews writes, although they have a two-goal advantage, they are by no means through, so Pioli cannot afford to field a much weaker eleven.
So, it is likely there will only be a few changes to the side. Firstly, Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori could both be benched. Whilst they kept a clean sheet in their first game back as a pair, Pioli will not want to overuse them so quickly after their returns from injury – he may, instead, look to Simon Kjaer and Matteo Gabbia for this tie.
In midfield, there is a possibility that Yacine Adli returns to the starting eleven – he has recently become indispensable for Stefano Pioli, and it offers a chance for Ismael Bennacer to rest, given he has also struggled with injury recently.
Finally, Rafael Leao could return to start ahead of Noah Okafor after serving his suspension in Serie A this weekend. Additionally, Christian Pulisic could be rested to give Samuel Chukwueze a chance, but this is not as likely as Leao coming back into the starting squad. Olivier Giroud may return to lead the line in the place of Luka Jovic.
He should risk more and rest stars .
3 5 2
Maignan
Kalulu Kjaer Gabbia
Musah Florenzi
Adli Ruben Rejinders
Okafor Jovic
At half time rest Ruben and Tiji
Paagal
You must have missed the first game between the 2 teams.
Your lineup will get Milan knocked out of the EL.
Yeah i seriously hope he was trying to be funny or something because otherwise its a rather misguided suggestion and i agree we might end up sh1t creek if we were to follow it.
No way Pioli switches to a 3-5-2 my friend.
What are they being rested for? 2nd in Serie A is not a title.
Giroud is a guaranteed start. Pioli’s security blanket. Also after that not-so-great performance by Jovic on Sunday.
I’d like to see Adli and Musah pair up. I think their characteristics could compliment each other and may give Adli more time on the ball and possibly push a bit higher up the pitch.
Good shout, I can see them being a good duo.
Until we’re somewhat secure, I’d rather avoid using Musah. He can be useful later on in the game once the players are tired.
Maignan
Kalulu-Gabbia-Kjaer-Hernandez
Reijnders-Adli
RLC
Chukwueze-Giroud-Leao
That would be a more solid defense to ward of the initial Slavia Prague offensive. Speed on the sides and power in the middle. Pulisic need some rest and Chukwueze need to get fired up. He might start Okafor over Chukwueze thou as hes obviously have performed better.
Jovic, Bennacer, Pulisic, Musah and Okafor (if he doesnt start) would be good substitutesm in the last 20 minutes.
Hopefully Kjaer won’t start.
Well since Pioli is expected to rest Thiaw and Tomori I’m pretty sure he will. Also Milan will likely defend deep and try to counter attack alot. Kjaers two biggest strenghts are the aerial play and long balls. Both fit in well for that
Until Leao starts scoring goals, he has to keep Pulisic in the game, even if he did steal one from Leao last game. That’s why he subbed Puli off so early on Sunday. Chukwueze needs to earn a start, not have it given to him. He should have buried one in the back of the net Sunday.
He didn’t steal the goal. He finished the play as anyone would in that situation. Quit with that ridiculous narrative.
Given the sh*show that was our defense last time out against Slavia, I would not start Gabbia and Kjaer together. I want either Tomori and Gabbia, or Tomori and Kjaer, preference for the former. Adli-Reijnders in the middle. Only change 1 attacker from the first choice set.
Mike
Calabria-Gabbia-Tomori-Theo
Reijnders-Adli
Chukwueze-RLC-Leao
Giroud
4231 . Sportielo (GK) , Florenzi ( RB) , Theo ( LB ) , Kjaer & Gabbia ( both CB ). Tiji & Adili ( double pivot) , RLC ( AMF ) , Chukwu( RW),Leao( LW),Giroud ( CF) . This should be good for rotation