AC Milan have Bologna at the San Siro this evening as the side presentation their new fourth shirt and hope to keep hold of the best position with Inter Milan also, Napoli breathing down their necks. Stefano Pioli’s need will be to get the assault terminating once more and trusting the protection come through with one more perfect sheet. Here are a few vital fights to pay special attention to in the game:
Key Battles
Striker vs Centre back
Olivier Giroud vs Gary Medel
Giroud was on fire in the international break but it does not seem like his kind of game to score in. He could be key in getting another assist or drawing Medel out to make space for one of the wingers. I am more confident to see Ibrahimovic come off the bench and get a goal in this game as he did in the previous tie against Bologna. Giroud is an important part of this unit and if he can play to his strengths, the attack should run smoothly.
Right back vs Left back
Davide Calabria vs Aaron Hickey
The Scottish youngster has come up as a potential target for the Rossoneri to be Theo’s back up as he is a monstrous presence in the advanced left wing back role. He has pace and a workhorse mentality that we need to worry about in this game as Calabria will need to keep him at bay and limit his crosses into the clinical Arnautovic. The match up will be crucial in this game as Hickey being kept at bay will force Orsolini and Soriano to drop back in search of the ball allowing Tonali and Bennacer to spend more of the game with the ball in front of them where they thrive.
Central attacking midfielder vs Centre back
Roberto Soriano vs Pierre Kalulu
Soriano got sent off in this reverse fixture and will likely want revenge as his side could have got a result then. He will be looking to play hard against Kalulu who has impressed in recent weeks but is still fairly new to Serie A and the centre back role. Soriano similarly to Arnautovic will look to hold up the play and draw fouls frustrating the defence. Kalulu need to keep it smart and keep it clean in this game as that clean sheet will be crucial yet again.
Predictions
Giroud/Ibrahimovic Winner
Calabria Winner
Kalulu Winner
