Pioli ‘invents’ new formation for Chelsea vs Milan
AC Milan will face Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge. Pioli is forced to ‘invent’ a new starting eleven amid many injuries.
The Rossoneri mange to exploit Inter’s false step and win 3-1 win against Empoli in a difficult match away from San Siro. However, AC Milan have paid a high price for their victory with three new players joining the long list of injuries. Saelemaekers, Calabria and Kjaer left the match in advance bringing the number of injured players up to nine.
AC Milan’s upcoming match will take place in England against Chelsea. The Rossoneri aim to cement their status as the leaders of Group E but with half a team out it will not be an easy mission for the Red and Blacks. Coach Stefano Pioli has very limited options regarding the starting eleven that will face Chelsea.
Milan removed Mike Maignan from the Champions League list in order to make space for Tatarusanu. The Rumanian goalkeeper needs to do better than against Empoli. Fode Ballo-Toure will be confirmed on the left with Sergino Dest replacing captain Calabria. Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu will form the central duo.
This season, Sandro Tonali is confirming himself not only as one of Milan’s best players but also as its leader. The Italian midfielder will be partnered with Ismael Bennacer. The Algerian was given a chance to rest against Empoli.
In normal times it would have been Junior Messias to replace Alexis Saelemaekers on the right but the Brazilian is on the sidelines himself. Rade Krunic will be adapted on the right. Rafael Leao will play on the left wing with Charles De Ketelaere in support of Olivier Giroud. Pioli has hopes that Divock Origi will recover in time but surely the French striker will lead the attack once again.
AC MILAN Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Dest, Kalulu, Tomori, Ballo-Toure; Bennacer, Tonali; Krunic, De Ketelaere, Leao; Giroud.
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