Preview and Prediction
It is a classic clash in Serie A and Rossonero can be the decisive party in this season title race. They face both title contenders in less than a week. After their surprisingly positive result against Lazio, Theo Hernandez and Co are expected to do the same this midweek against Juventus to keep the competition interesting till the end. Only a victory will please Lazio’s fans and the others who have been bored by Juventus’ domination all these years.
The teams’ previous matches
AC Milan shocked Lazio in their visit last weekend. They smashed Simone Inzaghi’s men 3-0. Hakan Calhanoglu stunned the host with a long range shot to the back of the net. Then, the lady luck carried on taking sides on the vistor’s as Ibrahimovic’s penalty was converted to a goal after the imperfect safe from Lazio’s goalie, Thomas Strakosha. Ante Rebic finally scored the last goal of the game.
La Vecchia Signora also had a comfortable win in a Turin derby against Torino. They hammered Andrea Belotti and Co 4-1. Paulo Dybala took an early lead followed by Juan Cuadrado’s strike. After that, Andre Belotti scored a lifeline by his penalty but the visitor’s hope to equalise dashed as Cristano Ronaldo netted through his powerful freekick. Their lead was eventually extended by Djidji’s own goal.
Possible tactic
On the other hand, the former Inter, Fiorentina and Lazio boss Stefano Pioli prefers more offensive approach with 4-3-3 or 4-4-1-1 formation with the transition to 4-2-3-1. The return of Ibrahimovic from the injury will put him as the targetman as well as the leader of the team. Unfortunately, Hakan Calhanoglu and Sam Castillejo are injured alongside Matteo Musacchio and Leo Duarte. Therefore, Pioli needs to pick the substitute carefully considering the importance of the game. Theo Hernadez is the best option on the left considering his pace and acceleration as well as his defending skills to build up or even initiate counter attack while on the right side Ante Rebic seems to be ideal one as he could support Ibrahimovic in scoring goals.
Their counterpart, Maurizio Sarri, who is closely-related to 4-3-3- formation will definitely put Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting IX. Yet, Paulo Dybala and Matthijs De Ligt are suspended whereras Georgio Chiellini, Mattia De Scoglio, Sami Khedira, Alex Sandro and Merih Demiral are on the sideline. Thus, Federico Bernadeschi and Douglas Costa are the best one to accompany the Portuguese superstar upfront.
Players to watch
Despite not scoring in the previous match Theo Hernandez’s form last week, especially on the second half. The brother of Lucas Hernandez has scored five goals and two assists. Another notable one to watch is Giacomo Bonaventura.
Meanwhile, on Sarri’s side, Cristiano Ronaldo is still the key man to score, especially after the confirmation of Dybala’s absence. He has bagged twenty five goals and provided five assists. Another top performer one to watch is the versatile Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado. He has netted two goals and made four assists.
Milan vs Juventus Prediction
Rossonero is challenged to bring trouble to the reigning Champions’ side. The entire Serie A fans, except Juventus’ fans of course, are behind them. A win does not only lead them to a better position battling for continental competition but also could possibly shake Maurizio Sarri’s men’s confidence. Hopefully it can be a turning point in the title race.
Betting odds
The game is expected to be even. The host is priced to win at 3.45 whereas Cristano Ronaldo and Co are in the win market at 2.15. The odds for a draw result are only at 3.30.
