Tonight, AC Milan has a very big game to play. Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side comes to the San Siro after having already secured the first place in the group stage. Now, the three other clubs are competing for the second spot.
The Premier League giants have been able to collect 15 points so far out of possible 15. Porto, on the other hand, have 5 points, followed by AC Milan and Atlético Madrid who have 4 points.
In the first leg fixture, AC Milan went to the Anfield stadium and were handed a loss 3-2. The English team dominated well, but in a few moments, the Rossoneri were able to capitalise on the lack of cocnentration and mistakes made by Liverpool. However, and obviously, the two goals were not enough. But, if anything, that game showed that Stefano Pioli's team can stop the Reds.
Now, the Italian tactician has an idea about Klopp's side and is working hard on how to be able to win. Liverpool may come into the match more relaxed having already secured the qualification, they will even make some changes into the starting lineup to rest his players as a strong match against Aston Villa awaits them where a win is needed in order to continue the chase after Manchester City. Only one point seperates Pep Guardiola's team from Klopp's as Man City have 35 points. Chelsea are third with 33 points so this is why the Reds cannot really afford to play all of their star players tonight.
AC Milan, on the other side, have absolutely everything to play for. After 7 long years of suffering and missing out on the elite European competition, they have the opportunity to make it to the next round. First, a win is absolutely needed while seeing if Porto manages to drop points against Atlético.
Many players are absent and will not feature in tonight's clash at the San Siro such as: Simon Kjaer, Davide Calabria, Ante Rebic, Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud. However, coach Pioli still have some important weapons to use.
In the defensive line, Alessio Romagnoli will be looking to create a strong wall with his partner Fikayo Tomori. The two stars must absolutely be attentive to the details and every movement of the Reds while also counting on the help of full-backs Pierre Kalulu and Theo Hernandez who, besides having to support the attacking plays, must come back on defence and try to stop the wingers from cutting inside and entering the box or trying to put in good crosses.
The attack will have to be at the top of its form despite the absence of the Croatian and Portuguese stars Ante Rebic and Rafael Leao. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be the sole striker up front, as usual in the 4-2-3-1, but he can always count on Brahim Diaz' support who likes to play between the lines and try to get into one on one situations against defenders. The former Manchester City and Real Madrid star must show his qualities and be ready to capitalise on any mistakes made by Liverpool.
Tonight, Junior Messias will be playing on the right, according to our information, and he will be trying to contribute with his best effort. In the match against Atlético Madrid, the 30-year-old Brazilian managed to make important dribbles and win some fouls in some interesting areas of the pitch. Then, thanks to his great positioning he managed to put in a stunning header which found its way to the back of the net.
We anticipate a strong battle in midfield, as usual, with Franck Kessié and Sandro Tonali fighting together for every loose ball. For Stefano Pioli, the key to a win is to hold the ball and dominate the midfield. The two midfielders mentioned above must fight for every loose ball and 50/50 situation. When the ball is not held by Milan, the players must be organised and press effectively in order to not let Liverpool have many passing options.
The guests, will take the field with many rotations and this is their probable lineup:
4-3-3: Alisson; Williams, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Morton, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Salah, Origi, Minamino
As for AC Milan, here are the probable choices of Stefano Pioli:
