Week 21: Juventus – Milan

The inability to come away with the full three points versus a lowly team like Cagliari looked familiar to fans and the midweek come back win at Como looked like the team could do more. Conceicao has voiced dissatisfaction but no matter it all the team has to do with two big absences for this important match against Juventus. Thiaw and Pulisic came out of the midweek match injured and while neither are long term absences they will be missed. Gabbia should replace the former and Reijnders move further up to play in place of the latter.

With a Champions League place the only realistic looking objective the team heads into the second half hoping for better finishing up front and help on the transfer market. Various rumours point to Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford as possible additions. Neither will come with a cheap salary and Milan’s apparent unwillingness to spend big means one or both of high transfer fees or salaries are off the table. This of course limits the options and almost certainly means the team will be outspent by most. When the transfer window closes in just over two weeks Milan might be no closer to their stated ambition.

Theo and Emerson Royal will the full backs with Bennacer and Fofana the pivots in what is likely to remain a 4-2-3-1 line up. Musah, Reijdners and Leao are the starters behind Abraham. Morata’s form has a lot to be desired but he is suspended for this one and so Abraham will get the start regardless of his frustrating form when chances arrive.

Tomori is again linked with a Juventus move and whether or not the rumour is accurate it is almost certain the Old Lady will be more active as far as spending – and selling – goes this January. Juventus remain the only unbeaten team in the Serie A this season but with 13 ties in the first 20 games.

Follow this match and more, including the transfer window, on the forums.