AC Milan face Hellas Verona on Sunday afternoon. It’s a massive match for the Rossoneri as the gap in points between them and Inter Milan continues to grow. Milan were sitting in first place only two weeks ago and are now in second, six points behind their city rivals. A continued slide will be detrimental, especially before the Europa League fixture versus Manchester United.
AC Milan Versus Hellas Verona Preview
Match Implications
Perhaps the gap between Milan and Inter is too large now. There is no time for Milan to sit around, however, as top-four is no guarantee. Juventus are behind Milan by four points, but with a match in hand. Atalanta are fourth, also four points behind. Both Juventus and Atlanta have a better goal difference by ten goals as well.
The Rossoneri have salvaged four points out of their last four league games. Both losses were extremely disappointing. One was a 2-0 defeat in a very winnable match versus Spezia, and the other a 3-0 loss against Inter.
The last league game was a 1-1 draw versus Udinese, another winnable match. Milan lucked out in that game with a 97th-minute penalty. Their form is quite clearly in the gutter. This, paired with the injuries of Ismael Bennacer and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, project a gloomy future for the rest of the season. It is now or never – Milan most definitely need all three points.
Projected AC Milan Line-Up
Gianluigi Donnarumma should guard the goal, that is never is usually never in doubt.
Davide Calabria is expected to return at right-back, replacing Pierre Kalulu, who started against Udinese. The centre-back pairing should be Alessio Romagnoli and Simon Kjaer. Fikayo Tomori could be left out, although he has been spectacular thus far. Theo Hernandez is likely to be the left-back, another usual no-brainer like Donnarumma.
Franck Kessie and Sandro Tonali should form the midfield double-pivot. Tonali has been slowly improving in the absence of Bennacer. His creativity will be sorely needed.
Rade Krunic is expected to start in the middle of the trio behind the striker. He is expected to replace Brahim Diaz, who has struggled lately, as Hakan Calhanoglu is still out injured.
There should be no changes on the wings – Alexis Saelemaekers is likely to start on the right, with Ante Rebic on the left.
Rafael Leão seems to be the only healthy option up-front. His last outing versus Udinese was very disappointing, so he must look to improve. He certainly has the ability to do so.
Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Hellas Verona
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