AC Milan face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, and here’s how Stefano Pioli’s starting line-up could look for the encounter.
The Rossoneri will be looking to end a four-game winless streak across all competitions in midweek, and as we sit bottom of Group F, we need a positive result in this one if we are to have a chance of advancing in Europe.
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Injuries have undoubtedly complicated matters in recent weeks as we’ve been without a number of key individuals, but Pioli will hopefully receive a triple boost ahead of the visit of the Ligue 1 champions.
As noted in the tweet below, Theo Hernandez and Christian Pulisic trained with the group after being absent against Udinese this past weekend, and coupled with Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s return to action on Saturday after his injury layoff, the influential trio will all potentially now be in a position to start on Tuesday.
Antonio Vitiello also noted that Samuel Chukwueze was present and so he should return to the bench, while Rade Krunic will hopefully shake off his knock and keep his place in the heart of the midfield.
In turn, Mike Maignan should have a back-four of Davide Calabria, Malick Thiaw, Fikayo Tomori and Theo ahead of him, with our usual midfield trio of Loftus-Cheek, Krunic and Tijjani Reijnders operating in the middle of the pitch.
Pulisic will hopefully start alongside Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao, and so provided we are back to what is arguably our strongest available XI, it’s hoped we can find solutions and answers to our problems in the final third, having looked so devoid of ideas and quality in recent outings.
Loftus-Cheek’s physicality and athleticism will help us impose ourselves to get a foothold in the encounter, as will the energy and industry of Pulisic. However, we must combine that with creative and technical quality in possession to unlock PSG and limit their threat, and that is the main challenge ahead.
Pressure is certainly building on Pioli and the players, particularly given the woeful level of performance last time out which was met with jeers at full-time at San Siro on Saturday night,
With an expectant home crowd looking for a response this week, a fast start full of energy, urgency and intensity is needed to set the tone and take charge, and our quality from key individuals must then come through and make the difference to get the desired result.
Predicted AC Milan XI vs PSG: Maignan, Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Theo; Loftus-Cheek, Krunic, Reijnders; Pulisic, Giroud, Leao.
👉Rifinitura a #Milanello alla vigilia di #MilanPsg: presenti in gruppo #Pulisic, #TheoHernandez, #Chukwueze e #Krunic. Unico assente #Kjaer #Champions pic.twitter.com/6Bb2z4UK0l
— Antonio Vitiello (@AntoVitiello) November 6, 2023