{"id":583557,"date":"2021-02-13T02:52:06","date_gmt":"2021-02-13T07:52:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=583557"},"modified":"2021-02-13T02:52:06","modified_gmt":"2021-02-13T07:52:06","slug":"serie-a-leaders-ac-milan-travel-to-strugglers-spezia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/02\/13\/serie-a-leaders-ac-milan-travel-to-strugglers-spezia\/","title":{"rendered":"Serie A Leaders AC Milan Travel to Strugglers Spezia"},"content":{"rendered":"

AC Milan<\/a> will look to continue their\u00a0fight for the\u00a0Scudetto <\/em>on Saturday evening against Spezia at the Stadio Alberto Picco. Milan are currently first in the standings, above city rival Inter Milan. The title is firmly within reach.<\/p>\n

Spezia, on the other hand, sit in 16th. They’re six points clear of the relegation zone, however, making every match crucial for them.<\/p>\n

AC Milan Take On Spezia in Serie A<\/h2>\n

AC Milan Season Form<\/h3>\n

The\u00a0Rossoneri\u00a0<\/em>have been virtually unstoppable this season, with only two league losses. One of those losses came to title holders Juventus<\/a>, although Milan were severely shorthanded due to injuries.<\/p>\n

Besides that, Milan have 15 wins and four draws, with a strong +22 goal difference. They’re fresh off a 4-0 victory over Crotone.<\/p>\n

Milan have struggled with injury all season, with star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic<\/a> missing plenty of time but still sitting amongst the top in the league in goals. Ismael Bennacer<\/a>, the backbone of the squad, has also been out for a few weeks. The same can be said for the two starting centre-backs in Alessio Romagnoli<\/a> and Simon Kjaer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That, of course, hasn’t quite slowed them down. Stefano Pioli’s men are clearly on a mission. With this being their last league game before the Derby della Madonnina<\/em>, Milan will let it all out in a mission to secure all three points.<\/p>\n

The upcoming Inter match is crucial. It will not be the only thing that makes or breaks the season, however. Including tonight’s Spezia match, Milan has 17 more league matches to play.<\/p>\n

Expected Milan Line-Up<\/h3>\n

Kjaer and Brahim Diaz<\/a> are injured and will be absent. Davide Calabria<\/a> is suspended.<\/p>\n

With Kjaer and Calabria out, the defence will consist of Gianluigi Donnarumma<\/a>, Theo Hernandez<\/a>, Romagnoli, Fikayo Tomori<\/a>, and Diogo Dalot<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The starring midfield double-pivot will finally be reunited with a healthy Bennacer. He will start alongside Franck Kessie<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hakan Calhanoglu<\/a> will also finally be back, so he’ll be paired with Ante Rebic<\/a> and Alexis Saelemaekers<\/a> behind Ibrahimovic at striker. Look for Rafael Le\u00e3o<\/a> to come off the bench in the early second-half if needed.<\/p>\n

Outside of Kjaer, all the starters are healthy. This seems to be a rarity for Milan, but they need it now more than ever.<\/p>\n

Spezia Injuries<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Spezia are also dealing with injuries. M’bala Nzola<\/a>, the side’s top scorer, is out, as is Roberto Piccoli<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The squad is also without two of their right-backs. Salva Ferrer<\/a> is nearing injury recovery while Federico Mattiello<\/a> has been out since November.<\/p>\n

Riccardo Saponara<\/a> is back, returning from a one-match suspension. Saponara is a former Milan player, likely playing with something to prove.<\/p>\n

Score Prediction:\u00a0<\/strong>Spezia 0-2 AC Milan.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>