MN: Predicted Milan XI to face Lecce – first starts expected for Pulisic and Moreira

By: Oliver Fisher

AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim is under pressure to get his starting XI right for Sunday’s game against Lecce.

The teams that Amorim has picked from minute one so far have drawn understandable scrutiny. Milan are yet to score a goal in the first half this season, and only in the Juventus match did the coach avoid making multiple changes before the hour mark.

The first defeat against Benfica on Wednesday night prompted further questions about whether the team are actually improving and building towards his vision of football. Lecce come to San Siro on Sunday, and answers are needed.

Predicted Milan XI vs. Lecce

According to MilanNews, Amorim will deploy his preferred formation: the 3-4-2-1. Mike Maignan will be confirmed in goal with the captain’s armband, and the defensive trio will feature the return of ario Gila along with Koni De Winter and Strahinja Pavlovic.

Changes are expected from midfield forwards. It should be time to see Diego Moreira start, likely on the left, considering the negative performances of Pervis Estupinan and Davide Bartesaghi in recent weeks. Alexis Saelemaekers could return as a right wing-back to offer balance.

Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot will be in the middle, although the Frenchman could also play as an attacking midfielder alongside Christian Pulisic. For now the favourites to play behind Goncalo Ramos remain the American and Alphadjo Cisse.

Predicted Milan XI (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Rabiot, D. Moreira; Pulisic, Cisse, Ramos.

Predicted Bench: P. Terracciano, Torriani, Tomori, Gabbia, F. Terracciano, Diawara, Bartesaghi, Estupinan, Musah, Comotto, Jashari, Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Hutchinson, Camarda.