GdS: Predicted Milan XI vs. Torino – Leao on the bench again | OneFootball

Ahead of AC Milan’s clash against Torino, this morning’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport has predicted that Rafael Leao could again be among the substitutes.

Reports have suggested that Milan’s key players are being watched after performances that have not matched their status in the squad, and the player under the most scrutiny is Leao, likely due to his position as the Rossoneri’s highest earner.

It is an added pressure and weight of expectation earned over the past few seasons, one that benefits both parties but one that might be too much at times for the 24-year-old. So, in his last few weeks as the Diavolo’s manager and Leao’s mentor, perhaps Stefano Pioli is attempting to lessen the pressure.

This morning’s edition of Gazzetta (seen below) reports that Mike Maignan has recovered from his injury, he will still only be on the bench, with Marco Sportiello set to be preferred. However, Theo Hernandez will return to the backline. He will play alongside Pierre Kalulu, Malick Thiaw, and Fikayo Tomori.

Yunus Musah will start his second consecutive game in central midfield, and Tijjani Reijnders remains a mainstay, but their partner is currently under the ballot between Yacine Adli and Ismael Bennacer.

Changes are set to be made in attack, as well. Christian Pulisic, after receiving an award at the Gentleman Fair Play Awards, starts on the right, Noah Okafor will play from the left, and Luka Jovic will lead the line.

Predicted Milan XI (4-3-3): Sportiello; Kalulu, Thiaw, Tomori, Hernandez; Musah, Adli/Bennacer, Reijnders; Pulisic, Jovic, Okafor.