The five key battles that could win or lose the game for Milan against Empoli | OneFootball

AC Milan are taking on Empoli this evening and a win is the only option, seeing as the top-four race continues to be difficult. As always, there are a few key battles that could play a big part in the final result.

After beating Roma 3-1 mid-week, Milan have restored some confidence after a period of ups and downs, even if the derby also helped in that sense. The enthusiasm certainly isn’t lacking as a result of the new signings, some of which we will see tonight.

Below, we have picked out a few key battles that we think will be decisive for the outcome of tonight’s game. Joeo Felix, for example, is set to make his full debut and will be looking to cause havoc for the home side.

The key battles

Starting at the back, from Milan’s perspective, Matteo Gabbia will be up against his former teammate Lorenzo ‘Lollo’ Colombo. The striker is on loan from the Rossoneri and being left-footed, he will be looking to receive crosses from Empoli’s left-hand side.

During pre-season, we all saw that Colombo is capable of when given space inside the box. He’s not as strong in the air, though, so it will mainly be a case of ‘covering the ground’ for Gabbia and remaining close to the striker at all times.

On Milan’s left-hand side, Theo Hernandez has experienced ups and downs lately, albeit more of the former in recent games. Empoli wing-back Emmanuel Gyasi will surely look to get forward and use his pace, having caused problems for the Rossoneri at San Siro before.

As said, the Rossoneri No.19 has been a lot better in recent games but there have been lapses in concentration in defence this season. Milan cannot afford that and stopping Gyasi will go a long way for them.

In the centre of the park, Yunus Musah is expected to get the chance yet again despite the formation change as Tijjani Reijnders should be rested. The American, just like Theo, has had many ups and downs recently – even within games – so he needs to find consistency tonight.

Photo by AC Milan

He did quite well against Roma mid-week and although the first half against Inter wasn’t ideal, he was composed in the second half. Alberto Grassi will be on the same side as the American and as he likes to involve himself in the build-up a lot, Musah will have to stop that.

Further up the pitch, Joao Felix will make his full debut for Milan and there is no doubt that Conceicao believes in him a lot. Assuming he will drift a little bit to the left tonight, perhaps allowing Christian Pulisic to go more inside on his right, he will be up against Saba Goglichidze.

The Georgian international, who has been linked with the Rossoneri many times, had a nightmare cameo against Juventus and Randal Kolo Muani last time out, so his confidence might be a bit shot. Something for Joao Felix to take advantage of.

Finally, after the brace against Roma, Tammy Abraham will be confirmed up front and it will be his job to bring down the long balls. He will mainly be up against Luca Marianucci – the middle centre-back in the three-man backline – in that sense and it should be a good fight.

Obviously, Abraham has disappointed a lot in that role this season but against Roma, he actually looked quite good in all aspects.