Wow, is it just me or did those two weeks take FOREVER? Did anything even happen during that time? I bet nothing did…
The last game was the ridiculous Milan-Genoa match that featured a very probably not a handball goal by Pulisic for the lone goal of the match and then Maignan murdering…at least according to some Paramount+ personalities (I won’t call them experts)…a Genoa player and being sent off with a straight red. Finally, that all culminated in Giroud needing to take the keeper gloves because Milan was out of substitutions and hold down the fort for the remaining 8-10 minutes of the match. Whoo. What a way to go into the break.
Anyway, Juventus is up today and we get to have a very uncertain match in a battle of two of the top 4 teams in Serie A. Let’s jump in!
LAST FIVE
MILAN: WDWWW
JUVENTUS: WDWLW
FORMATIONS
MILAN (4-3-3): Mirante; Florenzi, Tomori, Thiaw, Calabria (C); Reijnders, Adli, Musah; Leão, Giroud, Pulisic
JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Szczesny; Rugani, Bremer, Gatti; Kostic, Rabiot, Locatelli, McKennie, Weah; Vlahovic, Kean
TIME/LOCATION
TIME: 2:45m EST/7:45pm GMT
PLACE: San Siro, Milano, Italy
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 dictators and oligarchs everywhere.
*Let us know if this needs updating*
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
As I mentioned at the top, this game has some unknowns going in for both sides so trying to predict what’s going to happen is going to be tough. But, here’s what we know: Theo is out due to card accumulation and as I mentioned at the top, Maignan got a straight red last match and therefore is out this game. This wouldn’t be a bad as the last couple of years as this year the very capable Marco Sportiello is here…but he got injured during the break and won’t be available either. So now the keeper gloves go to Mirante, who is probably as bad as Tatarusanu but does it in different ways. Maybe Giroud should just play between the sticks again???
Speaking on injuries, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still out and Chukwueze got injured while on international duty (because of course) and will be out for about a month. I know Pulisic has been starting there and playing well but his worst game of the season came right after the international break in September, so…maybe Chukwueze would’ve had a nice opportunity to spell him early should he come out with the same flatness. But, BUT! This will give Romero a chance to get some minutes and I know we’re all curious to see him get a little time.
Juventus is also feeling the injury bug, with Vlahovic and Chiesa still recovering from injury, however both have made the squad and Vlahovic is in line to start. Still, some iffiness there for Juventus fans. Through in Danilo out injured and that means Juventus fans get to enjoy the quality that is Daniele Rugani. They have some other depth guys out as well so Max’s substitute strategy will surely be altered.
So, no predictions from me but here’s what I’ll be watching for:
- How does Musah, Adli, and Reijnders do vs better competition and a crowded midfield in Juve’s 3-5-2? I don’t know how it’ll play out but this is where I think the game is going to be won
- Will Leão and Pulisic continue their hot form?
- Will Mirante be enough at GK? I know most of the work is done before it gets to the keeper and the backline will have to be on it but even then, some will get through and will he be up to the task?
- Giroud vs Bremer will be interesting. Okafor will likely come in around the 60-70th minute, and I’m curious about that, but there’s something special about watching one of Serie A’s best CBs – a big guy at that – battle with a wily veteran like Giroud. Cat and mouse there
- For Juventus, how healthy are Vlahovic and Chiesa? Will they be effective? Will Vlahovic last the whole game? Will Chiesa have an impact?
- Finally, it was rumored that Weah might start for Juventus and his speed gives me a little bit of concern down Milan’s right (aka, Calabria). Milan may have to help and that might compromise their shape. Something to watch out for
Alright, that’s about it. I’m expecting a close game, either a one-goal Milan win or a draw but here’s hoping Milan pulls out all 3 points!
Forza Milan
gillis
*Lineups have been updated. Milan is as expected. Looks like Weah is playing but on Florenzi’s side. While I generally don’t have the same concern with Florenzi as I do Calabria, Florenzi isn’t very fast either. Thankfully Tomori is on that side but still, I don’t like getting burned on the wings.