AC Milan have another challenge to face. Tonight, the team of Stefano Pioli will take the field against Empoli which will be valid for matchday 19 of the Serie A.
The team's performances have been fluctuating recently, unfortunately, and the recent game has resulted in a loss against direct competitors in the league standings: Napoli.
Now, the Rossoneri have 39 points after 18 games, while Napoli also have the same amount of points collected, but they are second in the standings while Milan is third. Inter are looking at a mini-escape already as they have 43 points.
Atalanta, have dropped points as they drew against Andriy Shevchenko's Genoa, therefore they stayed 4th, and have now 38 points.
AC Milan's Stefano Pioli are already missing too many players, and unfortunately, another one is added to the list: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The coach announced it to the media in a press conference, the Swede veteran is out of the game due to an overload to his knee.
Now, it is time for Olivier Giroud to shine. But, the French attacker will not be able to do that if the rest of his teammates do not show up with big efforts. In particular, Brahim Diaz will need to do way more in order to return to his form of the early season. The team is missing his dynamism, dribbles, and technical plays between the lines. He is tipped to be left on the bench, but he can enter the game at anytime and he must do everything to gain the trust of the coach again.
Franck Kessié should also redeem himself and try to establish dominance in midfield. But, it will not be easy as he will face a strong organised team who are led in midfield by talented youngster Samuele Ricci.
A third player who must return to his previous form is Theo Hernandez who will be able to occupy the left lane and show his worth. He must be concentrated on the defensive phase but also not shy away from attempting his usual sprints forward.
Empoli have an important season going on for them with a good momentum as they managed to beat Juventus, Fiorentina and Napoli and Sassuolo. Currently, they are occupying the 9th position in the Serie A table and they are not giving anything up against AC Milan as they will look to get the three points in their turf and in front of their fans. Former Rossonero Patrick Cutrone will also cause problems as he will look go bag a goal for himself and prove his worth to his former club.
This is their expected lineup:
4-3-2-1: Vicar; Stojanovic, S. Romagnoli, Viti, Parisi; Zurkowski, S. Ricci, Henderson; Bajrami, Pinamonti; Cutrone.
As for AC Milan's lineup, here is our prediction:
