AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli is planning to make a change to his midfield for tonight’s Champions League clash with Newcastle United.
The two sides are set to meet at the San Siro this evening, as Newcastle prepare for their first Champions League game in 20 years.
Eddie Howe is expected to make three changes to his starting lineup after the win against Brentford. It has been reported that Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak will start, while Miguel Almiron is also expected to return to the XI.
AC Milan are also planning changes, and they need a big response following their humiliating derby defeat to rivals Inter. They lost 5-1 at the weekend, and Pioli desperately needs a reaction from his team.
It was reported on Monday that Pioli is planning to make at least two changes to his side, with Fikayo Tomori and Samuel Chukwueze coming into the starting lineup. And now it looks like the Milan boss could actually make three changes.
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Tommaso Pobega to start for AC Milan against Newcastle
According to Italian website Corriere Dello Sport, Pioli is going to make a change in the middle of the park. The report states that he will drop Tijjani Reijnders and instead pick Tommaso Pobega.
The Italian outlet believe that Pioli wants to play Pobega to add more ‘physicality’ to his midfield, as he looks to counteract one of Newcastle’s biggest strengths. During his pre-match press conference, Pioli actually commented on how ‘physical’ Howe’s side is, and now it is forcing him to make a change to his starting lineup.
It is quite the compliment, but sadly Newcastle will be missing their most physical midfielder. That is because Joelinton is missing due to a knee injury.
Therefore, it looks set to be Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff in the middle for the Magpies.