AC Milan will be up against Man City in their first clash of the Soccer Champions Tour in the United States. While there have been no reports regarding the starting XI, we can make an educated guess based on the squad and the last friendly.
In Paulo Fonseca’s first friendly, which was against Rapid Wien, he fielded one XI per half. While heavy rotation is expected against Man City as well, it seems likely that he will be a bit more laid-back with the changes and field a strong XI from start.
Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier this morning that Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are certain to start, and to that we can also add Marco Sportiello. Pierre Kalulu could occupy the other centre-back spot, while Alex Jimenez could be ‘a surprise’ on the left-hand side.
Ismael Bennacer played the second half against Rapid Wien and considering his impact, he will likely play from start this time out. Tommaso Pobega and Yacine Adli failed to impress, but the former will likely get the chance if Bennacer starts.
Up front, it’s very hard to predict, but Fonseca has asked for more time with Colombo and could give him a start once again. Christian Pulisic will likely be on the bench, having just joined the squad, so Samuel Chukwueze should get the spot, with Alexis Saelemaekers or Danie Maldini on the opposite side.
Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Sportiello; Calabria/Kalulu; Tomori, Kalulu/Gabbia, Jimenez; Bennacer, Pobega; Chukwueze, Loftus-Cheek, Saelemaekers/Maldini; Colombo.