Another busy day means another pilfered preview, but you guys are great when it comes to discussion so we should be fine. Many thanks to Channel 4...
New Serie A leaders Milan are planning to add one more win to their four victories in a row as they take on draw-addicted Lecce. The Rossoneri will be strong favourites to collect the three points, but history shows that nothing can be taken for granted – especially at the Via Del Mare.
The San Siro giants are approaching the peak of their form, playing good football at times and returning to the top of the table for the first time in four years after a narrow victory over Napoli on Sunday.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will use Thursday’s UEFA Cup game against Sporting Braga to test the condition of a few players. As a result, Philippe Senderos and Kakha Kaladze should be in contention to win a place in the starting XI at the weekend.
Upfront, former Genoa striker Marco Borriello seems to have won the battle with young gun Alexandre Pato and old fox Pippo Inzaghi. The Italian will be supported by the Brazilian duo of Kaka and Ronaldinho. Playmaker Andrea Pirlo is still out, which should see Massimo Ambrosini again start.
Lecce Coach Mario Beretta is still struggling to find the perfect design for his team, but proclaimed himself happy with his side’s performance in the draw with Atalanta. Playmaker Andrea Ardito and star man Simone Tiribocchi have minor problems, but there is no doubt they will start.
Guillermo Giacomazzi is back from suspension, but Brazilian full-back Angelo is still out. Vitorino Antunes will keep his place on the left. Former Pisa striker Jose Castillo is likely to be the first choice to partner Tiribocchi, while Daniele Cacia, still in poor form, will probably start from the bench.
Keep an eye on: Simone Tiribocchi (Lecce) – Up against Samba stars Ronaldihno and Kaka, the former Torino striker will be looking to steal the headlines against the Serie A leaders.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Lecce (D D L D D) Milan (D W W W W)
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Lecce (probable): Benussi; Polenghi, Stendardo, Fabiano, Antunes; Giacomazzi, Zanchetta, Ardito, Caserta; Tiribocchi, Castillo
Milan (probable): Abbiati; Zambrotta, Bonera, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Ambrosini, Seedorf; Kaka, Ronaldinho; Borriello