An inconsistent Juventus side struggling to get back into the mix of the title race will look for stability when they take on a resurgent AC Milan side.
It is quite incredible how Juventus are not considered part of the Serie A title race despite being the only team in the division to have maintained an unbeaten run as they get set to host AC Milan in a crunch clash. The big reason behind this phenomenon is the number of drawn games, as the Bianconeri added another one to take the tally to 13 for this season.
Juventus only have seven wins to show for their cause under Thiago Motta, who endured another frustrating game against Atalanta last time out. That makes it seven draws in their last eight league games, while they also suffered the Supercoppa Italiana disappointment in Saudi Arabia at the hands of AC Milan.
Motta has already come under pressure despite having an unbeaten season, and there is a real need to bring about a turning point in their season. At this rate, the Bianconeri are steadily placing themselves out of the title race, as the top teams are showing relentless form in their games. Hence, the home fans will certainly hope for a win that boosts their mood as well as that of the team.
Sergio Conceicao has had a dream start to life as AC Milan’s new manager with three wins and a draw in his first four games in charge. The Portuguese tactician was instrumental in the Supercoppa Italiana triumph in Saudi Arabia, beating Juventus first and then staging a dramatic comeback victory in the final over arch-rivals Inter Milan.
He did stutter in his first Serie A game against Cagliari, although AC Milan were victorious over Como in the most recent league encounter. As they visit Turin to take on Juventus, AC Milan have a great chance to go level on points with their hosts with a win, something that Conceicao will want to boost their chances of a top-four finish.
Team News & Tactics
Juventus
Juventus already have a list of injured players out of the equation, and the club might end up losing another defender in the transfer window. Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal have been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Danilo is out of the picture as he looks to make a move away.
Recent developments have linked Andrea Cambiaso with a move to Manchester City, with the two clubs currently engaged in talks. With him likely to sit out, Weston McKennie will deputise at left-back, and the American has done well in the role previously.
Francisco Conceicao will not be able to play against the team managed by his father, meaning Nico Gonzalez will keep his place on the right, thus allowing Kenan Yildiz to operate from the left.
Another player linked with a move away, Dusan Vlahovic, will continue to lead the line. Fans will want to see a glimpse of the new arrival of Randal Kolo Muani, although his participation in this game is not guaranteed as of now.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Savona, Gatti, Kalulu, McKennie; Locatelli, Thuram; Gonzalez; Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic
AC Milan
AC Milan have a few concerns ahead of this trip to Turin, as key trio Christian Pulisic, Alvaro Morata and Malick Thiaw were forced off with injuries against Como. For now, only the latter has been ruled out of the game, while Morata is suspended for this one.
There are doubts about Pulisic’s participation, but Sergio Conceicao will hope to have him in some capacity for this crunch encounter. Samuel Chukwueze, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Alessandro Florenzi are already out with problems, while Matteo Gabbia could be in for another start in the heart of the Rossoneri defence.
Fikayo Tomori should take the other central position, while Emerson Royal and Theo Hernandez feature in the full-back roles. Youssouf Fofana and Ismael Bennacer will be able to operate in the midfield double pivot, with Tijjani Reijnders operating in the advanced role for Milan. Pulisic might cut into the starting lineup, while Rafael Leao will operate from the left as Tammy Abraham leads the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Royal, Gabbia, Tomori, Hernandez; Fofana, Bennacer; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Abraham
Key Stats
- Juventus are undefeated in their last 28 matches in Serie A
- Juventus have been drawing at both half-time and full-time in their last three matches in Serie A.
- Juventus have drawn seven of their last eight games.
- AC Milan are undefeated in their last seven away matches against Juventus in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Rafael Leao
Juventus are stubborn with their defensive setup, but they lack in their attacking flow, something AC Milan would know. Hence, Sergio Conceicao will want his team to take their chances to get an early advantage and then stifle the Bianconeri with defensive tactics.
Leao will be key to this plan, as the winger has been picking up form ahead of this fixture. Hence, it is imperative to have the Portuguese in top form, and his recent showing against Como will instil that belief among the manager and the fans.
Prediction
Juventus 2-2 AC Milan
AC Milan might have some momentum heading into this encounter, and Sergio Conceicao is sure to use that as well as his most recent experience playing against Juventus in Saudi Arabia. However, the Portuguese manager may not find any joy this time around as the Bianconeri are likely to show a stubborn defensive side at home.
Juventus are also desperate to get a win under their belt, and that will drive Thiago Motta towards securing three points. The Bianconeri have some issues in the background, but they will look to take three points, although this game has all the hallmarks of another entertaining draw. The Hard Tackle predicts a stalemate for Saturday’s game at the Allianz Stadium.
