AC Milan travel to face Spezia tomorrow afternoon following the 2-0 win at the San Siro in mid week against Venezia. Milan struggled with Spezia last season in both games with the defensive wall and we came away with a 3-0 win and a 2-0 loss. Here are some key battles to look out for during the game:
Key Battles
Right winger vs Left back
Daniele Verde vs Theo Hernandez
This was a toss up between Gyasi and Verde as they are equally technically gifted and have the pace down the wing but I picked this battle as Hernandez has been so hollow defensively thus far this season. He scored a lovely goal and provided an assist last time out but is easily beaten and often out of place in defence. Verde darts at the defender and has a good cross so will need to be checked as Spezia are a tough team to crack.
Right winger vs Left back
Alexis Saelemaekers vs Simone Bastoni
Another interesting battle given the previous match where Saelemaekers was key to breakdown the Venezia side and find an opening. He will need to provide similar dynamism against a side that we struggled against last season. Bastoni is very physical and is quick to pounce on errors and lead the counter attack. Saelemaekers will be required to put it a labouring shift both in attack and defence.
Central defensive midfielder vs Central midfielder
Sandro Tonali vs Mehdi Bourabia
A midfield battle where two physical players with good passing range will look to get past the other. Tonali will need to ensure that Bourabia does not get the opportunity to break the lines with his passes to the pacey wingers whilst simultaneously releasing our players up front quickly on the break before Spezia get all 11 players behind the ball.
Predictions
Verde Winner
Saelemaekers Winner
Tonali Winner
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