When it rains it pours, and the news arrived yesterday that Ismael Bennacer has sustained a muscle problem and could well miss the derby against Inter.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) report that the Algerian will be re-evaluated with new checks in four or five days to understand the extent of his problem and find out his recovery times, but he will almost certainly be forced to miss Sunday’s derby.
However, this stoppage does not change Stefano Pioli’s plans as he still seems determined to change formation to try and make his team more solid and compact. He will cast aside his preferred 4-2-3-1 and will switch to 4-3-3 to try and provide greater protection in the non-possession phase.
With Bennacer absent, the only player sure of a starting shirt in the midfield three is Sandro Tonali, with three players – Rade Krunic, Tommaso Pobega and Aster Vranckx – fighting for the other two spots.
Today training will resume at Milanello and in the next few days we will know more about Pioli’s choices for Sunday’s match.
Too little, too late. Bigger change needed.
433 attack oriented. Get read to lose by 5-0. Silly coach. Get a draw is a win now. 4321 will be the way. Defense 1st.
4312 system can accommodate our players since we have only one winger
This formation is good too. Krunic as AMF. CDK & Giroud strikers. Leao will be on the bench. Let those who have heats in Milan play. Leao if he doesn’t renew just go to the bench or join the ball pickers
Milan has no wingers, so when you can’t attack you are attacked that is why we need to change formation and goalkeeper since we have seen enough from immobile Tata who concedes four out of five chances
We have to park the bus on Sunday, Mourinho style.
Otherwise we are likely to be adirft of the top 5 and looking over our shoulders.
It’s not impossible but extreme measures are required and I’d be happier if Vasquez makes his debut..
RIP Tata
Play 5-3-2 with Vasquez in goal
Leao, Origi;
Pobega, Vranckx, Tonali;
Theo, Kjaer, Thiaw, Kalulu, Dest;
Vasquez;
This doesn’t really change much. If Milan try to be aggressive and press with a high line they are going to get destroyed again. Milan need to go full defensive mode. 3 CB with Theo and maybe dest as WB. Deep compact line and try to hit on the counter attack.
I like the idea of have Origi and leao up top together (they both are mobile) than starting Giroud. The problem with Giroud is his production is entirely dependent on the team and well we all see how things have been going. Krunic, Tonali, Vranckx. I don’t think Pobega and Tonali are a good pairing, both just run around like chickens with their heads cut off.
In defense Dest, Kalulu, Tomori and whoever it doesn’t really matter because Tata will start and even if Inter only get four shots on goal the entire game 3 of them will go in.
Giroud is not at fault ..his performance was good ,unlucky with a goal ,which was marginally offside ,but scored later with a typical Olivier headed goal .
He worked very hard and won nearly all aerial duels .
I will say this again and again ..He is the best striker anywhere within the 18 yard area which he commands so well ..He has never been blessed with pace ,but the first few yards are in his head ,he knows exactly where to be at the right time ,this is a learnt skill and not luck .Yes as you all guessed I am a huge fan of Olivier Giroud…I said that when we bought him that we would win the scuddeto which we did ..
Olivier Giroud was a big influence on the team last season .His form is not gone as some have suggested.
The fact is the delivery’s to him of late have been poor What does concern me however is the loss of form of Rafeol leao ..His mind seems to be elsewhere at the moment ..He is not beating his last marker any more let alone delivering crosses for Olivier ,like he did last season..I am not for one saying that Rafeol leao is not a class player as he is …it’s just that for some reason he is not delivering at the moment ..
What however does please me at the moment is Origi as when he came on as a sub ,he looked so strong fast and hungry and of course scored with a wonderful strike .This is the best I have seen him in a AC Milan shirt …He worked so well with Giroud when he came on …Just hope he stays injury free if he does he could be a huge asset to us AC Milan .
I would love Origi to start upfront alongside Olivier Giroud against inter Milan ..
We need to win a game ( long overdue) if we win this game perhaps this will install confidence with the team ..Yes no problems with Olivier Giroud more goals to come from him .