
Time: 5:45 pm
Stadium San Siro
Referee Jose Sanchez (Spain)
Goal Scorer:
AC Milan
One minor positive for Milan at the weekend was that no more players entered the infirmary with injuries, although Pioli was without centre-back Pierre Kalulu due to a thigh concern - which could keep him out for a few weeks - while Ismael Bennacer is on the long road to recovery from knee surgery.
The suspended Fikayo Tomori helplessly watched on from the sidelines as the Nerazzurri obliterated the Rossoneri, but the England international is eligible to return on Tuesday and could take the place of Malick Thiaw, who flattered to deceive and then some at the weekend.
Christian Pulisic was largely anonymous during the derby too, so Samuel Chukwueze may come into Pioli's thinking for a start alongside Leao and Olivier Giroud, who was able to complete 77 minutes on Saturday despite taking a knock for France on international duty.
The Rossoneri will also be reunited with one of their former troops in Sandro Tonali, whose reunion with Milan was in jeopardy when he sustained an injury during the international break, but the Italian was able to make the bench against Brentford and should be reintroduced into the XI this week.
AC Milan possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Hernandez; Pobega, Krunic, Loftus-Cheek; Chukwueze, Giroud, Leao
Newcastle
However, neither Joe Willock (calf) nor Emil Krafth (knee) will be involved for their side's Champions League opener, while Howe has conceded that Joelinton will not be available for Tuesday's encounter owing to the knee injury he picked up while playing for Brazil. Meanwhile, Matt Ritchie, Mark Gillespie and Javier Manquillo have all been left out of the Magpies' CL squad.
With Tonali expected to make a swift return, 20-year-old Elliot Anderson will surely drop out of the XI, while a refreshed Alexander Isak should be given the nod in the number nine role over Wilson, despite the latter's winning spot kick at the weekend.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Tonali, Guimaraes; Gordon, Isak, Barnes
Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Newcastle United
Posted: at | |