AC Milan host Porto at the San Siro tonight in view of matchday 4 of the Champions League group stage.
The Portuguese giants have been able to collect 4 points so far after one draw, a loss and a victory against the Rossoneri. Sérgio Conceicao's men are looking to play with conviction and clarity like the previous Champions League fixture as they hope to achieve the double win against the red and black side of the city of Milan. The first match ended 1-0 in favour of the Portuguese thanks to a goal scored by Luis Diaz in the 65th minute.
Stefano Pioli and his team, however, are determined to turn their bad and unlucky form in the European competition into a positive one tonight. Milan players do not want to taste defeat again as the aim is to get 3 points and keep fighting for a spot in order to qualify to the next round, even though it's very difficult.
Since after their triumph against Il Diavolo, Porto have confirmed their good qualities with wins in the league: 1-3 versus Tondela, and 4-1 against Boavista. In the League cup competition, Taça da Liga, however, Porto suffered an important defeat at the hands of Santa Clara 3-1.
As for Milan, they continued their positive streak in the league since the frustrating defeat against the Portuguese side: an incredible and crazy 2-4 victory against Bologna, then two tricky wins away from home against Torino and José Mourinho's Roma with a 0-1 and 1-2 results, respectively.
Much can change over the course of a few weeks and Milan seems more ready to face Porto. In their last encounter, the team suffered some important injuries and setbacks. Brahim Diaz and Theo Hernandez were out due to Covid-19 while Franck Kessié was ruled out after a red card received against Atlético Madrid. Ibrahimovic, who entered later in that match, was not fully fit. Now, he seems in a better condition and can probably help out his teammates in a better way.
The Rossoneri, however, still have many injuries despite the recoveries of some important elements. Mike Maignan, Alessandro Florenzi, Ballo-Touré, Junior Messias and Ante Rebic are all out due to injuries without also forgetting young goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari.
On the other hand, Porto have Brazilian full-back Wendell out of the game because of a knee injury. The Portuguese side will try to come out with a useful result by using the same strategy that delivered them the win against AC Milan. Sérgio Conceicao will want to see his team remain compact and hold their positions well on the pitch and not allow Milan players any space for dribbling and sprinting forward. Counter-attacks and set-pieces will be the key weapon tonight for his squad.
As for Stefano Pioli's team, they will be relying on the return of Brahim Diaz and Theo Hernandez to gain the advantage. Theo Hernandez is one of the best full-backs in the world and he will be using his supersonic speed to start attacks from behind and move forward to create passing opportunities to open-teammates.
Brahim Diaz also likes to drive the ball ahead and find space between the lines. The former playmaker of Real Madrid prefers to dribble past opponents and enter the penalty area as he acts as a second striker in some situations to support the centre-forward.
Pioli has studied his opponents well and will try to suffocate Porto's midfield and prevent them from trying to create danger like in the first leg. The midfield battle will be fierce and so important as Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer (who are tipped to start as of now) will be playing aggressively to cut off any attempts from the Portuguese team. Franck Kessié is also ready and it is not excluded that he may end up starting ahead of the Algerian midfielder as the Ivorian provides more physicality and strength.
The guests will come to San Siro in the hopes to conquer and ensure their dominance. Their coach could use the following lineup:
4-4-2: Marchesin; Corona, Pepe, Mbemba, Sanusi; Otavio, Oliveira, Grujic, Diaz; Evanilson, Taremi
Stfano Pioli is likely to deploy a strong lineup as well, but with Alessio Romagnoli starting over Simon Kjaer who may need some rest in order to catch his breath in view of the Derby della Madonnina clash this Sunday.
