The first challenge of the new Champions League for Milan and Liverpool is already a very crucial challenge already this early in the season.
It sets the tone for how far expectations can be pushed and gives an indication of their level. Paulo Fonseca's team approaches it boosted by the success against Venezia and with another crucial match on the horizon, Sunday's derby against Inter.
The Portuguese manager's starting eleven is almost set. Up front, Alvaro Morata returns, sending Abraham back to the bench. Behind him are Rafael Leao, Tijjani Reijnders, and Christian Pulisic. In midfield, the Youssouf Fofana - Ruben Loftus-Cheek duo provides physicality and coverage for the attacking department.
Of course, there are confirmations for Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, and Strahinja Pavlovic, alongside whom Fikayo Tomori might return, displacing Matteo Gabbia. The main doubt – and it’s a significant one given who it's about – is at right-back: Davide Calabria or Emerson Royal?
Milan, the favourite to start is Davide Calabria...
The Italian, favored to start, recently recovered from a right leg bruise sustained during training. He has now fully recovered and rejoined the squad. The Brazilian, on the other hand, is bouncing back from less-than-impressive performances in his first games with the Rossoneri.
One of them will face the unenviable task of containing Luis Diaz, who will be occupying the same side of the field. It's a tough decision, a knot that Fonseca will untie in the coming hours, which will also impact the captain's armband decision. If Calabria plays, he will wear it; otherwise, it will go to Theo Hernandez. Leadership will definitely be needed to face Arne Slot's team.
Milan's possible lineup:
(4-2-3-1) Maignan; Calabria, Pavlovic, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Loftus-Cheek; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Morata.
Source: Calciomercato.com
