Lunchtime matches always seem to be difficult for Milan. On paper, this should be a picnic. Parma are in 16th place, and Milan have only lost one match since Conceição arrived. But let's not forget that Parma were the team to hand us our first loss of the season. Both sides are missing a number of players to injuries, which should also be an advantage for Milan, with the much higher wagebill, but for some reason, Milan still struggle against teams who are battling against relegation. So, while I hope that this lunchtime match is a delicious three points at home, be prepared for the possibility of indigestion.
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| This team need to be focused and clinical to take all three points on Sunday. |
Parma travel to the San Siro in 16th place with only 20 points this season. Fabio Pecchia's side hover just above the relegation zone and will need every single point they can get from here on out. Also, it is of note that this week, they welcomed two important new players – the imposing 6'6" (198 cm) striker Milan Ðurić from Monza, and also the talented Swedish winger Jacob Ondrejka from Antwerp. Those two players alone will bolster their squad considerably, which is riddled with injuries.
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| The imposing Ðurić returns to Parma to help lift them from the bottom of the table. |
Pecchia will be missing Circati, Charpentier, and Kowalski to serious long-term injuries, as well as Balogh, Osorio, and Bernabé, who are looking to return soon from injuries, but will still miss this match, and also Bonny, who has the flu. Parma's most recent match was a 1-1 draw with Venezia at home last Sunday. For that match, Pecchia lined up a 4-2-3-1 with: Suzuki; Del Prato, Vogliacco, Valenti, Emmanuele Valeri; Mandela Keita, Sohm; Almqvist, Hernani, Mihaila; and Cancellieri.
Conceição also got a new player this week, as veteran Kyle Walker signed a loan deal through the end of the season with option to purchase from Manchester City. He brings with him plenty of experience, trophies, and lots of personal baggage. (I was really hoping that maybe he would bring a couple of Man City players in his baggage, we really need a proper number nine, but that does not seem to be the case.) Because of his many financial commitments to his multiple families, there are still a few details to be worked out with his work permit, though, so while he began training with the team on Saturday, he will not be available yet for this match. Walker becomes the fourth English player in our squad now, and signed his contract on Herbert Kilpin's birthday.
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| Walker has arrived... kind of, he won't be available for this match. |
Conceição will be missing Florenzi, Thiaw, Emerson Royal, and Loftus-Cheek to injury. Pulisic should be ready to return to the starting lineup, and Chukwueze and Okafor are also reportedly ready to return, although they will undoubtedly start from the bench. Fofana is at risk of suspension due to yellow card accumulation, so with the Derby in mind next weekend, he may be rested for this match. That could mean a midfield of Musah, Bennacer, and Reijnders instead. Tomori is also available again after his midweek suspension, but it remains to be seen whether Conceição will continue to give time to Pavlović after his impressive performance on Wednesday.
This match is the first of four important matches in ten days for Milan. Getting three points would be an important way to start that run of games, and also help me justify watching at 3:30am. But also, despite having a game in hand, Milan still sit in eighth place on the table and desperately need to make up some lost points from earlier this year in order to qualify for the Champions League next year. So I hope this lunchtime match will be a picnic, and not cause everyone indigestion.
This post inspired by the music of The Sundays' "I Feel"
Serie C Week 24
Reviewed by Elaine
on
2:50 PM
Rating:
