How Milan should line up vs. Como

When AC Milan face Como on Wednesday evening, there might be a number of questions that want answering, and Massimiliano Allegri is presently left making choices.

Contemplating the variety of points that Allegri has needed to cope with this season, and the season that got here earlier than this, Milan sitting in second needs to be thought-about a close to miracle. Now, this week, he should discover new solutions.

One other huge sport at San Siro, the place his workforce might be supported by a full crowd, Allegri should make a lot of key choices with the hope of beating Como. Sadly, they’re scattered throughout the pitch.

De Winter in defence?

It begins on the again, the place it appears Koni De Winter is being thought-about for a return to the backline. The Belgian has been stable because the Supercoppa Italiana closing, and it may very well be argued that his exit from the beginning XI lately was somewhat harsh.

However, Allegri might already look to convey him again into the equation.

By way of who he ought to come into the defence for, both of the huge defenders would instantly be introduced ahead, provided that that is the place the Belgian has usually performed. Nevertheless, if anybody had been to come back out of the backline, it could be Matteo Gabbia’s likelihood for a relaxation.

Because the flip of the yr, the Italian has performed greater than 630 minutes, enjoying the final six video games in a row since coming back from harm. Consequently, it might make sense if De Winter’s push for a beginning place provided him an opportunity to relaxation.

On that very same be aware, although, we don’t really feel that there’s a huge want for a change on the again, contemplating this is without doubt one of the largest video games of the present run. As a substitute, Gabbia – or another person – ought to relaxation for the sport towards Parma or Cremonese, maybe.

Saelemaekers’ return?

To us, that is the best query to reply. Ought to Alexis Saelemaekers return to the beginning XI right away? No.

Sure, the Belgian has been probably the greatest gamers for Allegri this season, and the Rossoneri do admittedly look somewhat worse off with out him. Nevertheless, he has solely simply returned to a bunch coaching setting.

Two or perhaps three at a push periods should not sufficient to then give a 60-minute sport, if that. In spite of everything, his earlier return (within the Roma sport) solely lasted 45 minutes.

Allegri has been actually, actually cautious with accidents this season, even when he has had little to no different solutions on the bench. If Saelemaekers is rushed again, it may very well be a mistake ready to occur. With Zachary Athekame not leaving any inquiries to reply, is there a must rush him again?

We predict not.

Rabiot’s alternative?

That is the large one, and for us, it’s linked to the attacking image. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been beginning as a kind of hybrid attacking midfielder slash striker concept, and it has labored to this point. Nevertheless, with Adrien Rabiot suspended, it could be time for him to maneuver again into the midfield.

One among Rabiot’s largest strengths is his presence, and it seems like it will, fairly actually, be huge towards Como. Including Ardon Jashari or Samuele Ricci to the midfield would give a bonus to Cesc Fabregas’ workforce defensively and offensively, so that is the place the Englishman may very well be key.

Moreover, the previous Chelsea man might nonetheless assault the field, like Rabiot does, if he had been to play in that very same position.

Admittedly, you do lose a few of that defensive grit that the Frenchman offers, and that might push for one of many summer time signings to come back in.

In a sport the place Como are going to dominate the ball, they is also essential to progress the ball in uncommon probabilities the place the Diavolo have an opportunity to interrupt. This, to us, is a case of both, both, or. Any of the three would work, and it seems like every would supply their very own advantages.

Although Loftus-Cheek might be the almost definitely candidate, contemplating the entrance line now appears to be like significantly better.

Choosing the entrance two

That is one other troublesome one to resolve for Allegri, and sadly, there may be probably not a proper reply but. Barring Santiago Gimenez, the Italian has a whole unit to choose from, and this would be the actual take a look at.

Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are nonetheless getting back from accidents, however the American is more energizing; he has been in group coaching since final week, and is vying to return to motion after getting his first motion final weekend.

Consequently, it may very well be the American who offers probably the most interesting argument to begin this sport from the celebs.

Then, a debate could be had about Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku. That in itself could be debated, and all of it is determined by who begins from the earlier two. If, as we steered, it’s Pulisic, it makes extra sense for the German to begin.

They mixed fairly effectively towards Fiorentina, and this may very well be one other likelihood to take action, albeit with the hope of them really contributing to the scoresheet this time. Allegri has usually used the outdated ‘little and enormous’ mixture, and it may very well be extra helpful to take action once more with Fullkrug right here, reasonably than Nkunku.

SemperMilan’s Milan XI vs. Como (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Athekame, Fofana, Modric, LOFTUS-CHEEK, Bartesaghi; PULISIC, FULLKRUG.