Milan x Sassuolo

TIME: 6:30am EST/11:30am GMT

PLACE: San Siro, Milano

WHERE TO WATCH:

Paramount+ and FuboTV here in the US of Aye and Canada, BeIn for our Aussie pals, ESPNPlay for our fellas in T&T, JioTV for our Indian leoni, and illegal streams that support human trafficking everywhere.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

Who has a dart board? Ok, good, this is how we’re going to predict what’s going to happen…

Ok, it’s not quite that but close enough. I have no idea what Pioli plans on doing to right the ship. I almost started crying typing the results for Milan’s last 5 matches up there. Hands down the worst stretch under Pioli that we’ve seen for this Milan.

Anyway, here’s my best guess for what we might see in this game:

• All signs are pointing to a CDK start at CAM. I personally think this isn’t the change to make but what do I know. The kid hasn’t done anything but has looked better at times so far in 2023. Here’s hoping for a breakthrough! Milan needs it
• Tomori is out until mid-February so it’s time for Kjær to step up and play. I love Kjær and in the proper set up can be a weapon for Milan. Ideally we see Milan sit back more to protect the traffic cone between the posts. This can help Milan perhaps keep a clean sheet for a change but it also allows Kjær to do one of the things he does best: smash those long balls to Giroud and Leão
• Krunic is coming in for Bennacer, who’s out on suspension, and while he doesn’t have the range Bennacer has, he’s still pretty solid in the double-pivot. I know it’s my favorite place to see him when he plays! One of the things to watch for will be who of the two (him or Tonali) is the one who gets forward. Here, I think Tonali offers much more so I hope it’s him
• Theo appears slated to start and please god, allow him AND Leão to stay wide and get back to doing those overlapping runs. This is going to be important since I’m expecting Sassuolo to do the same thing they did in the first fixture and that’s sit back with everyone behind the ball. They’re going to be packed in and the only way Milan is going to beat that is with proper spacing. I likewise hope the right side keeps their width as well
• Giroud is rumored to be starting but I kinda want Rebic in there if I’m being honest. Giroud looks tired just like Theo did and it would be nice to give him some rest. Additionally, Rebic moves around more and can hopefully wear down Sassuolo’s CBs and let Giroud come in later on for a late winner. Also, admittedly I’m tired of seeing the flicks to nobody. Time to get someone in there who can hold up play and distribute. Remember, Rebic came out of the gates firing this season AND we are nearing the springtime, which is typically Rebic’s queue to get going

Well, that’s about it. I think Milan gets the win but it won’t be anything inspiring or confident. To be honest, maybe winning ugly begins the process of righting the ship. Overall, Pioli needs to change up the philosophy, maybe sit back more and take advantage of the skills of Kjær. None of us want to see Milan’s defense get carved up again, especially at the hands of bottom three of the table Sassuolo. Sit back, get Sassuolo to open up some, then nail them with a ball over the top to Leão.

Milan wins 2-1

Forza Milan