The game won’t take place for another week, but we have attempted to predict AC Milan’s starting XI that will face Bologna in the third round of Serie A.
The transfer window has come to an end and Max Allegri now knows which pieces he has to work with to finish the puzzle. Regardless of what we think of the mercato, it will now be up to the manager to create a team with the players at his disposal.
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The biggest boost hasn’t arrived from the mercato, though, as the manager is eagerly awaiting the return of Rafael Leao. Per the latest reports, it’s definitely possible for him to be back in time for the Bologna clash, but whether he will start or not is a different question.
How the XI could look
So, what about the starting XI for next week? Considering that a few players are out in international duty, such as the new signing Adrien Rabiot, it’s slightly easier to predict Allegri’s moves. It would be very surprising to see the French midfielder from start, for example.
The late arrivals are set to be Pervis Estupinan, Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic. That being said, they can probably be back at Milanello already on Thursday, which would still give them enough time to prepare for the game.
Milan also don’t have a lot of options as far as the left-back and striker roles are concerned, especially if Leao isn’t 100% ready to start. The biggest question is whether Allegri will continue with the 3-5-2 or switch to a slightly more attacking-minded 3-4-2-1.
The new signing Christopher Nkunku has impressed in training and the fact he wasn’t called up for France was a boost for Milan. Therefore, a starting spot doesn’t seem unlikely for him, but it hinges on Allegri switching formations and Leao’s condition.
Predicted Milan XI (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Ricci, Modric, Estupinan; Pulisic, Gimenez, Nkunku/Leao.
he’s going to start Rabiot
Then Saelemaekers – Rabiot – Modric – Estupinan
It’s Allegri, so expect 451
Tomori, Gab, Pav, Stupido
RLC, Rabiot, Modric, Fofana, Salad
Leao
Not my selection, just predicting his
I have no doubt we will see Jashari, Ricci, Nkunku using their 100m worth of talent warming the bench.
With Puli being the impact sub
Tomori | Gabbia | Pavlo
Sala | Fofana | Modric | Estu
Puli | Nkunku | Leao
Jashari is out for a month or more with injury.
Tare was clear that the transfers were made after the change of system (to 3-5-2). Also, Allegri was pretty clear that he plans to use 3 midfielders regardeless of the system.
I would love a 3-4-2-1, but the closest we’ll get is a 3-5-2 with a more ofensive mezzala like RLC.
Agree. They didn’t buy all those midfielders to only use two of them at once
With Mexico and USA playing Wednesday night and the players likely not being back until Friday at the earliest, I expect a 3-5-2 with Nkunku and Leao as the front two to start, with the North Americans available off the bench. Estupinian is in the same boat, but hey, we decided one functional left-back was enough.
Guessing here, but:
Maignan
Tomori – Gabbia – Pavlovic
Saelemaekers – Fofana – Modric – Rabiot – Estupinian
Nkunku – Leao
Lol some wishful thinking going on in here. Allegri is going to start with the same team over and over
Let’s be clear, it was always the plan to use Nkunku with Leão.
Can we please play De Winter
I don’t like the formation he is using, because our good players would be playing out of their natural positions, hence the performance will be affected. The coach is not all that good as a modern coach. Is outdated
Allegri is stubborn. He doesn’t really adapt. I believe Serie A has moved past him. Also, Football is entertainment. Do you really want to watch week after week of Allegri ball fighting for fifth or fourth place?