AC Milan vs Sampdoria: Key Battles and Predictions

AC Milan face Sampdoria at the San Siro this morning following the international break. Milan have not won in any of their last five home games and need to break this poor run of form. Sampdoria have meanwhile won just one of their previous five games. Milan welcome back Bennacer to the starting line up alongside Rebic and Ibrahimovic. Sterfano Pioli will be looking to beat Claudio Ranieri to get his side on a streak of form.

Key Battles

Right back vs Left winger

Alexis Saelemaekers vs Jakub Jankto

Saelemaekers will surprisingly start at right back today and will be expected to deal with the pace and trickery of Jankto. The right back will need to remain composed and to avoid any mistakes as Gabbiadini will be lurking too. It is a big test for the youngster as he will occupy a key position that Samp use to attack.

Left back vs Right winger

Theo Hernandez vs Antonio Candreva

Hernandez has been off for the past couple of games as he has been poor going forward and vulnerable in defense. He will be going up against a revitalised Candreva who has been tearing up the right wing for Sampdoria with 5 goals and 6 assists thus far. He pace and direct approach to set up Quagliarella and Gabbiadini will be the main attack source for Ranieri’s side and Hernandez will need to be solid to halt these.

Striker vs Central defender

Fabio Quagliarella vs Fikayo Tomori

Tomorrow will be a another Serie A right of passage as he has to mark veteran Quagliarella and will need to keep him quiet. Milan always to tend to suffer with him and Gabbiadini has a track record of scoring messy goals which hurt us early. Kjaer and Tomori will need to handle the crosses well and avoid any rebounds and scraps for Sampdoria to feed off.

Predictions

Jankto Winner

Candreva Winner

Tomori Winner