Sport Linkers 2
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There are two important returns. The first is Mike Maignan between the posts, after his absence in Reggio Emilia, and the second is Fikayo Tomori at the centre of defence paired with Matteo Gabbia.
There are three players unavailable for Pioli due to injury: Pierre Kalulu and Tommaso Pobega who are still recovering from long-term problems, and Simon Kjaer who experienced flexor discomfort in the draw against Sassuolo so will not be risked.
The Englishman missed the first leg due to disqualification and the game against Sassuolo to avoid a yellow card which would have taken him out of the derby. Davide Calabria and Theo Hernandez should complete the back four.
In the midfield double pivot it seems very likely that Ismael Bennacer and Tijjani Reijnders will be the pair used, though there are doubts about who will operate ahead of them.
Pioli could confirm the usual four, i.e. the Pulisic-Loftus-Leao trident behind the lone striker Giroud. However, Samuel Chukwueze’s form gives him a dilemma, so the idea of Pulisic being the attacking midfielder so the Nigerian plays on the right (RLC on the bench) cannot be ruled out.
Probable Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Gabbia, Tomori, Theo; Bennacer, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud.
“There seems like little reason for De Rossi to tinker with things too much. Stephan El Shaarawy is expected to play on the right again, not that it will be a surprise this time but it can still be effective.
“Obviously, Evan Ndicka is not going to feature given the events of the weekend. Gianluca Mancini was rested against Udinese, as were Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, so there are three key players who will be fresh.
“Bryan Cristante is suspended which is a blow, but De Rossi has already said that Edoardo Bove will take his place.”
Probable Roma XI (4-3-3): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Smalling, Spinazzola; Bove, Paredes, Pellegrini; El Shaarawy, Lukaku, Dybala.
