Milan find themselves in a must-win situation if they want to stay in 4th place. With Lazio and Roma both having midweek games resulting in victory sending them above Milan in the table. A win keeps Milan four points off Inter in third and one point above Roma and Lazio for 4th.
Since the arrival of Paqueta, Milan have put in strong performances and with the addition of Piatek Milan have ended their goal drought. This form surely will spur them ahead as the season begins to wind down.
THE TEAM
Gattuso has all his star players for the matchup and even Lukas Biglia has made a return to the squad. He receiving the call up earlier this week. Do not expect him to play, however.
The coach may think to rest a few players with a critical and tough match up against Atalanta the week after.
Donnarumma is, of course, unrivalled between the sticks and our backline of Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, and Ricardo Rodriguez is expected to hold down the defence again.
Originally our weakest area on the field is now strong as Kessie, Bakayoko, and Paqueta are set to start once again. Paqueta will be starting seven consecutive matches since his arrival. That is a testament to his impact on the team.
In attack we see Piatek leading the trident once again with Suso and Calhanoglu on the wings.
Likely AC Milan XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Kessie, Bakayoko, Paqueta; Suso, Piatek, Calhanoglu.
THE OPPONENTS
Cagliari is not an intimidating side, losing four of their last five with one draw in the middle. We have won eleven of the last fourteen match ups against the side. Leonardo Pavoletti has been on a tear of form this season with seven goals for the bottom half club.
Likely Cagliari XI (4-3-1-2): Cragno; Pisacane, Ceppitelli, Romagna, Padoin; Farago, Cigarini, Birsa; Ionita; Pavoletti, Deiola.
LAST TIME OUT
Milan’s previous game was against Roma which ended in a 1-1 draw. The boys took an early lead with Piatek and looked set to ride the win but a clumsy mistake from Musacchio say the ball find the net for an equalizer. A lot of dubious officiating saw a clear and obvious penalty be denied and a VAR check refused which could have changed the course of the game.
KEY PLAYERS
Piatek is the key man for Milan. With an already impressive goalscoring record in Serie A and for Milan; finding the net against both Napoli and Roma. The Polish gunman is expected to produce fireworks against Cagliari.
Ironically, Genoa is one of the few teams to be defeated by Cagliari this season. We have a much better side backing Krzysztof this time around, do not be surprised if he bags a brace or better.
PREDICTION
Milan are dominant against Cagliari and this match will be at the San Siro. Expect total domination from the boys and potentially a Piatek hat-trick.
AC Milan 3-0 Cagliari
