AC Milan vs Lecce
Italy – Serie A
Date: Sunday, 20 October 2019
Kick-off at 19:45 UK / 20:45 CET
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – San Siro.
TEAM NEWS
Throughout the week, there are a lot of different reports on the possibility Milan XI. Earlier this evening, though, the new report come from various sources, which all reported the same starting eleven. Therefore, Pioli seems to have taken a decision.
At the rear, there will only be one change, but not tactical. Conti will replace the suspended Calabria, as the latter receive a second red card of the season against Genoa. Musacchio will once again partner with Romagnoli, while Hernandez hopefully can continue his good form on the left wing.
Further a field, on the other hand, some changes are expected. Instead Calhanoglu, Paqueta will start on the left side of midfield, the fans wanted for some time now. This will change the dynamics of this department, as Brazilians tend to drift forward over Turkey.
In front, the battle between Leao and Piatek has apparently been decided. Portuguese young people are expected to get a chance in the middle, having played a lot on the left wing. In other words, the Polish armed men will be on the bench. On the left, a lot is expected Rebic to start, but Calhanoglu when ahead in the race. Suso, of course, will start on the right.
Possible AC Milan XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Conti, Musacchio, Romagnoli, Hernandez; Kessie, Biglia, Paqueta; Suso, Leao, Calhanoglu.
With the exception of Calhanoglu, starting eleven more or less what we expected. Leao has been crucial for the Rossoneri lately and he certainly deserves a chance, although it would be good to get Piatek go again.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Rossoneri have dominated this fixture for 37 meetings between the two sides in all competitions, winning 23 times and lost just twice.
Milan has won four of the last six games in Serie A against Lecce, the other two in a 1-1 draw away from home.
Perhaps the most impressive fixtures between the sides came in the 2011-12 season at the Stadio Via del Mare when Max Allegri's side found themselves trailing 3-0 in the first round.
Kevin-Prince Boateng was taken and it proved to be an inspired decision as he scored a hat-trick to make it 3-3 before Mario Yepes netted a dramatic winner.
Prediction
We never normally dare with the predictions given the nature of how the season has gone so far, and it is feasible that Milan could find this difficult game against an opponent that will be set up to thwart.
However, Pioli is known to get a quick rise out of the team and we expect a different atmosphere on Sunday, something that is reflected in the prediction. The initial goal, as always, is the key.
