AC Milan will travel to Turin on Saturday in Serie A to take on rivals Juventus on Matchday 34 in a battle between second and third in the Italian top flight.
Both Milan and Juventus have already lost the league to rivals Inter Milan, who dominated Serie A behind attacking excellence from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez as well as the best midfield in the division.
Milan have to upgrade their midfield this summer, though they do have a few quality players, including Ismael Bennacer and summer signings Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijani Reijnders.
The big concern for Milan on Saturday against Juventus will be the defense, as Theo Hernandez, Pierre Kalulu, Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer, and Fikayo Tomori are all out through either injury or suspension.
Here is an expected starting lineup for AC Milan this weekend in Serie A vs. Juventus.
Defense
GK Mike Maignan
LB Alessandro Florenzi
CB Malick Thiaw
CB Matteo Gabbia
RB Yunus Musah
Mike Maignan may have to perform a carry job against Juventus this weekend with so many starters out, and these young defenders will all be put to the test.
The real key man to watch is Yunus Musah at right back. He has shown up well this season for Milan after joining from Valencia, and while his technical ability is mediocre, his work ethic is not.
Musah’s ball-winning and progression could translate well to right back, which is an otherwise unfamiliar position for the 21-year-old United States international.
Someone has to step up in this spot, and Musah could end up being the right guy to do the job. He will be tested by Federico Chiesa, though the Italian star has been quite isolated in a two-man front.
Matteo Gabbia is one of the most talented young center backs in Serie A, and he will, likewise, be put to the test against Dusan Vlahovic and the Bianconeri on Saturday. Milan fans will hope the good Malick Thiaw shows up to help him.
Midfield
CM Ismael Bennacer
CM Tijani Reijnders
AM Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Milan’s midfield will be the least of their concerns against a Juventus midfield that has been shambolic throughout the 2023/24 season.
Tijani Reijnders is the X-Factor in this game with his ability to carry the ball and create chances. The Dutchman is averaging nearly 1.5 key passes per game and can provide the brightest moments of quality in this match on either team in midfield.
Attack
LW Rafael Leao
RW Christian Pulisic
ST Olivier Giroud
Again, the main trio of Milan attackers will be available and itching to prove a point against a Juventus defense that is clearly the strength of their team.
Olivier Giroud quietly has 13 goals and 8 assists in what could end up being his final season in Milan. The Frenchman has provided consistency and done everything possible to help Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic reach 17 combined goals.
Often, Milan go as Leao does, and while that has been softened this season due to the successful signing of Pulisic, the Rossoneri will be hoping for a big day from the Portuguese international. He has the “easier” matchup on paper against Federico Gatti.
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