AC Milan face Roma on Sunday night, and here’s how Paulo Fonseca’s starting line-up for the Serie A clash could look.
The Rossoneri will go in search of three crucial points this weekend as we look to build momentum going into the New Year and close the gap on those above us in the standings.
READ MORE: Blow for Milan as key figure ruled out vs Roma, but good news on trio
Fonseca provided mixed news on the injury front in his pre-match press conference, as although we’re boosted by the return of key individuals, there are still a number of notable absentees, including Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, who remain sidelined by injury.
In turn, while we hope that they can close in on a comeback sooner rather than later, the Milan boss will still be capable of putting out a strong starting line-up vs Roma, and there are two potential changes being touted to the side that defeated Verona prior to the Christmas break.
As per Sky Sport, Theo Hernandez and Alvaro Morata are expected to come back into the Milan XI as they replace Leao and Tammy Abraham respectively, while the remainder of the side will go unchanged.
That in turn will see Mike Maignan continue between the posts, with a back-four consisting of Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Matteo Gabbia and Theo in front of him.
Filippo Terracciano and Youssouf Fofana will form the midfield pivot, while Samuel Chukwueze, Tijjani Reijnders and Alex Jimenez will form the trident behind Morata in the attacking third.
That’s the predicted Milan starting line-up put forward by MilanNews too, but La Gazzetta dello Sport differ slightly, as they’ve gone with Morata to play off Abraham, with Terracciano dropping to the bench.
It remains to be seen what Fonseca goes with, but he should also be boosted by the return of Ismael Bennacer to the bench after his lengthy stint on the sidelines due to a calf injury, and so it’s hoped we’re starting to get the quality depth back to help us kick on and improve on what we’ve done through the campaign so far.
Despite our absentees, there is a sense of balance in this Milan line-up, and it’s hoped that we’re able to dictate and control proceedings effectively at home, and that in turn will hopefully set us on our way to securing a pivotal win.
Agree with the possible Milan XI below? Or would you make changes?
