AC Milan face Venezia in our next Serie A outing, and here’s how Sergio Conceicao’s starting line-up could look for the clash.
The Rossoneri will be buoyed by our midweek win over Inter as we booked our place in the Coppa Italia final, and it’s hoped that form and momentum can carry through to this weekend.
READ MORE: Injury boost for Milan ahead of Venezia clash, but key man a doubt after setback
With Venezia battling to preserve their top flight status as they continue to be embroiled in a relegation scrap this season, the hosts will be desperate to secure a positive result on Sunday, and so Milan must match that desire and display superior quality.
Conceicao isn’t expected to change too much, but he may well be forced into one tweak due to a new injury blow, while there was good news this week in terms of recovering another key individual.
One Milan change, Gabbia doubtful after injury blow
Mike Maignan will continue between the posts, but the Milan shot-stopper will likely see a switch in the three-man backline in front of him after Matteo Gabbia suffered a neck injury during the week.
It’s been reported that the Italian centre-half resumed training on Friday but continued to struggle with soreness after being forced off in the second half of our win over Inter after making an awkward clearance, and so there are doubts that he will recover in time for this weekend.
If that’s the case, Malick Thiaw will be expected to come in and partner Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic at the back, with Alex Jimenez and Theo Hernandez continuing to operate in the wing-back roles in our favoured 3-4-3 system.
That in turn means both Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders will continue in the heart of our midfield, with Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao keeping their respective places on the flanks in support of Luka Jovic.
The Serbian frontman will keep his spot leading the line after his midweek heroics, fending off competition from the likes of Santiago Gimenez and Tammy Abraham, and so it’s a big opportunity for him to enjoy a run in the side to end the current campaign.
Milan have no suspension concerns while Emerson Royal remains the only long-term absentee due to injury, with Kyle Walker tipped to push Jimenez for a starting berth on the right side after recovering from his elbow issue.
It’s a strong Milan XI and consistency should help, and so although we’ve got a lot of ground to make up with just five games remaining, if we have any remaining hope of qualifying for the Champions League, there is no more room for error as every game between now and the end of the season is must-win.