GdS: Predicted XIs for Milan vs. Genoa – forced alterations in attack

AC Milan will celebrate their 125th birthday in tonight’s game against Genoa, and Paulo Fonseca is expected to name an interesting side.

Milan managed to extend their winning run in the Champions League earlier this week, but only just as a late 2-1 winner was needed against Red Star. After that game Fonseca went on a bit of a rant about the attitude of the team, which has dominated the headlines since.

As a result, some big changes have been predicted for the game against Patrick Vieira’s side, also due to a shortage of attacking options with an injury bug having hit that particular department.

The predicted XIs

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), Fonseca is expected to name a back four of Emerson Royal, Matteo Gabbia, Malick Thiaw and Alex Jimenez ahead of Mike Maignan, with Theo Hernandez therefore dropping to the bench.

Tijjani Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana are expected to be in the midfield double pivot, with Samuel Chukwueze and Rafael Leao occupying the positions as the right and left wingers respectively.

Alvaro Morata is injured so Tammy Abraham will lead the line, while Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Yunus Musah also being missing means Mattia Liberali should be the playmaker.

Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal, Gabbia, Thiaw, Jimenez; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Liberali, Leao; Abraham.

Predicted Genoa XI (4-3-3): Leali; Sabelli, Bani, Vasquez, Martin; Thorsby, Badelj, Frendrup; Zanoli, Pinamonti, Miretti.