Team Struggles and Injury Woes
In their upcoming clash, AC Milan and Udinese find themselves navigating a maze of injuries. Udinese, who are yet to secure a win in their last three games, will host ninth-placed AC Milan with both sides hungry for points to climb the Serie A table. Udinese's current run includes a narrow 1-0 loss to Genoa, highlighting their struggle to convert play into results.
Currently, Udinese is grappling with a spate of injuries that limit their tactical flexibility. Key players such as Isaak Touré, Razvan Sava, and Jordan Zemura are absent from the lineup, while the status of Florian Thauvin and Keinan Davis remains unclear. With these vital cogs missing, Iker Bravo will be thrust into a more prominent attacking role.
Similarly, AC Milan faces their own challenges. Emerson Royal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and the recently operated Kyle Walker are sidelined, forcing tactical shifts. Santiago Giménez's hip issue further complicates Milan's options, yet Alex Jimenez's return could act as a balm for their defensive lineup in Walker's absence.
Possible Formations and Tactical Battles
The mystery of Milan’s formation adds an intriguing layer to the matchup. They might adopt either a 3-4-3 or a 4-2-3-1 setup. If opting for the former, expect Mike Maignan in goal, supported by defenders Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic. The midfield quartet might feature Jimenez, Fofana, Reijnders, alongside Theo Hernandez, with a forward line of Pulisic, Leão, and Abraham pushing for goals. Alternatively, a 4-2-3-1 setup could see adjustments among defenders and midfielders.
On Udinese's side, a traditional 4-4-2 formation appears likely, fielding Okoye as goalkeeper with a backline of Ehizibue, Bijol, Solet, and Kamara. The midfield might include Lovric and Karlström providing stability, while Ekkelenkamp supports an attacking pair of Bravo and Lucca.
Key matchups could define the contest. Milan's vulnerability has been evident, conceding multiple goals consistently in their away fixtures. This presents an opportunity for Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca, a potent striker rumored to be on Milan’s radar, to make an impact. On the flip side, Milan's attacking prowess, configured around Leão, Pulisic, and Abraham, aims to exploit Udinese's weakened defense.
Considering form and deficiencies, a high-scoring draw seems probable. Milan's tendency for late surges, exemplified in their recent match against Fiorentina, suggests resilience, while Udinese will strive fiercely to prevent a trio of defeats against the Rossoneri. As the teams prepare to meet, both camps are hopeful for a turnaround in fortunes to keep their league hopes alive, with the match available for fans via OneFootball.
