A point to prove back in England: The five key battles in Bournemouth vs. Milan
Tonight, AC Milan face Bournemouth in the Europa League, a game which may be their hardest challenge of the season so far.
After starting the season slowly, Bournemouth have started to hit form, winning their last two games and scoring five goals in the process and whilst they sit 15th in the Premier League, they’ve largely not been helped by their schedule.
In other words, the table is deceptive and Milan won’t be meeting a side that will roll over easily, especially with the quality on offer to Marco Rose. Ruben Amorim is not swaying from his European rotation, though.
So, here are the five key battles to look out for.
The five key battles
Starting with one of the new starters, Fikayo Tomori will face Ben Gannon-Doak on his first return to England for a club fixture for the first time since December 2022. He’s an interesting player, after being linked with several moves back to England in recent years. However, he’s never taken them up.
This game, then, could be an opportunity for himself and clubs in England to get a look. For him, he’s got a chance to show Amorim that he’s a player that must be considered this season (and beyond). English clubs, though, could take a look with a future look to the mercato…
On a similar vibe, Ruben Loftus-Cheek hasn’t played a competitive club fixture in England since that game against Newcastle in 2022. His future is less clear, with his deal expiring in the summer and this offers an opportunity – for everyone – to assess his future.
Playing as the most attacking midfielder of the three, he’ll be tasked with facing Tyler Adams, who is one of the better defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Amorim’s comments about him in yesterday’s press conference were certainly interesting, and Loftus-Cheek must show that he can still perform at a top level.
Moving back to the defence, Pervis Estupinan is expected to face Marcus Tavernier. The Ecuadorian has been criticised regularly since moving to Milano last summer, yet Amorim wants to persist with him.
Due to the injuries in the squad, he’s going to be given chances and after Davide Bartesaghi’s showing last week, he’s got to prove that he’s able to fight for a spot. Tavernier will punish him, if given the chance, so he can’t be allowed one.
Omari Hutchinson’s battle against Adrien Truffert will also be one to watch. The winger’s best performance of the season came in last Thursday’s clash against Salzburg, so the hope will be that he replicates that performance back in England.
In his final game against Bournemouth, he got an assist – his only contribution in three appearances against them – saving Nottingham Forest as they picked up a point. He’s never beaten the Cherries, so he’ll be hoping that changes tonight.
Finally, we’re sticking with the Hale End Academy, where Yunus Musah could shine. He’ll be tasked with leading the midfield, as the most prominent figure of the starters this evening. His last performance in England was certainly forgettable, as he picked up a yellow in that aforementioned game against Newcastle United.
Tasked with beating a midfield involving Justin Kluivert, Ryan Christie and Adams, this is maybe his biggest test of the season so far. Considering how heavily he’s been linked to English clubs in the past, this will be a chance to see how he’d have gotten on. Another strong performance would only deepen conversations about his rejuvenation.
