AC Milan vs Genoa: Key Battles and Predictions

AC Milan face Genoa at the San Siro today and the Rossoneri need an important win to get over their poor run of form at home. Stefano Pioli will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic to suspension and Davide Calabria to injury but will otherwside have his starters.

Key Battles

Striker vs Centre back

Goran Pandev vs Simon Kjaer

Pandev will be the challenge for us in this game and Kjaer will need to stand his ground. Despite the dynamism of Scamacca, we tend to concede the odd goals in these types of games hence Pandev poses the greater threat. Pandev is a seasoned striker in the league, he has a very strong shot and can hold up the ball well. He needs to be held off and will be raring to beat Donnarumma.

Central defensive midfielder vs Central midfielder

Ismael Bennacer vs Valon Behrami

This will be a key match up in this tie as Bennacer’s movement will need to break the Behrami-Badelj wall. Bennacer’s passing will be vital to breaking through and ensuring Leao is not isolated in attack. He will also have an important role to keep Behrami from charging at our defence alongside Kessie. The midfield battle is important in this game as both sides will look to break through the middle.

Left winger vs Central defender

Ante Rebic vs Adam Masiello

Rebic will be critical in this game as Leao tends to struggle when playing as the lone striker. Rebic will need to pull defenders off him whilst simultaneously feeding him the ball. Rebic will need to use his pace to press Masiello back creating gaps for Calhanoglu and Leao to exploit in the middle against Genoa’s three man defence. Hopefully he also manages to score again.

Predictions

Kjaer Winner

Bennacer Winner

Rebic Winner