Coming off back to back wins against Sassuolo and Olympiacos in the Serie A and Europa League respectively, the Rossoneri are trying to make it three wins in a row before a crucial stretch of the season that sees them play Inter Milan and Real Betis.
THE TEAM
The lineup is expected to revert to a very similar one to the game away at Sassuolo last week.
Donnarumma takes back his spot in goal from Reina. Abate, Musacchio and Rodriguez all return to the defense for Calabria, Zapata and Laxalt respectively with Romagnoli maintaining his spot.
The midfield sees one change from Thursday night with Kessie returning to the lineup for Bakayoko. The midfielder was key in defeating Sassuolo with a big performance and goal. Biglia and Bonaventura remain in the lineup completing the midfield three.
Calhanoglu also replaces Castillejo next to Higuain and Suso in Milan’s front three.
Likely AC Milan XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Abate, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Kessie, Biglia, Bonaventura; Suso, Higuain, Calhanoglu.
THE OPPONENTS
Chievo has had a very tough season following the resignation of now-Cagliari manager Rolando Maran. They are one of only two teams so far this season yet to get a win (along with Frosinone) and are currently rooted to the bottom of the table. Regardless they’ve proven they can still trouble the big sides with a draw away to Roma and an added-time loss to Juventus in the season opener.
Likely Chievo XI (4-3-3): Sorrentino; Depaoli, Rossettini, Bani, Barba; Rigoni, Radovanovic, Hetemaj; Birsa, Stepinski, Leris.
LAST TIME OUT
Milan got an emphatic 3-1 comeback win at home to Olympiacos to go top of their Europa League group. As usual they created many chances early on but were unable to convert due to poor finishing. Cutrone coming on completely changed the game with a brace in 9 minutes and a Higuain goal in between.
KEY PLAYERS
Hakan Calhanoglu will play a crucial part in Milan’s exploits going forward. The winger lit up the San Siro with two quick assists in his substitute appearance on Thursday. With him now returning to the starting XI expect him to continue performing against a struggling Chievo team.
PREDICTION
With Milan in a good vain of form and Chievo on a terrible run I expect both to continue on their trajectory with Milan winning convincingly.
Milan vs. Chievo: 2-0
