AC Milan vs AS Roma: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :January 12, 2024 at 4:11 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 11:41 AM

The home team have a better record in the Serie A this season

As Serie A enters its second half, AC Milan shift their focus to the top-four race. Trailing leaders and rivals Inter Milan by nine points, while a title challenge remains possible, the team may find it more prudent to concentrate on the battle below. Currently holding a seven-point gap over fifth-placed Bologna, a downturn in form could see Stefano Pioli’s side in a precarious position. Despite the potential for inconsistency this season, AC Milan have displayed resilience with three wins and a draw in their last four league games.

On the other hand, Roma are navigating a challenging period that Jose Mourinho must navigate strategically. Sitting in eighth place after 19 games in the Serie A, Roma have secured only one victory in their last five matches, with two draws and two losses. Their sole win came against Napoli before Christmas. Nevertheless, Roma is just four points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina, offering a glimmer of hope for improvement under Mourinho’s guidance.

Kick-off

Monday, 15 January 2024, 7:45 PM GMT (1:15 AM IST)

Location: San Siro

Form

AC Milan (all competitions) : L-W-D-W-W

AS Roma (all competitions) : D-L-W-L-D

Players to watch out for:

Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

Leao possesses both skill and technical abilities, allowing him to adeptly operate on either flank, showcasing his versatility. With a tall and lean physique, he combines burst and speed, defining him as a dynamic forward who brings a dynamic presence to the front line. His quick pace enables him to effectively exploit space, drawing multiple defenders from the opposition toward him.

Romelu Lukaku (AS Roma)

Lukaku, a robust and physically imposing striker from a young age, is recognized for his goal-scoring prowess and has often utilized his physical strength to navigate around defenders. Nevertheless, despite his substantial size, strength, physical stature, and proficiency in holding up play with his back to the goal, his preferred position is not that of a traditional target man in the center but as an out-and-out striker.

Match facts:

AC Milan are unbeaten in their last five home Serie A games against Roma.
Roma are winless in their last eight Serie A matches against Milan.
Roma have lost in their two Serie A away games.

Injury & team news:

Stefano Pioli faces a considerable injury crisis with several key players unavailable. Pierre Kalulu, Mattia Caldara, Tommaso Pobega, Marco Sportiello, Malick Thiaw, Fikayo Tomori, Noah Okafor, and Rade Krunic are all sidelined. Compounding the challenges, Ismael Bennacer and Samuel Chukwueze have received call-ups to represent Algeria and Nigeria, respectively, in the African Cup of Nations, further depleting Pioli’s squad.

Mourinho is dealing with a few injury concerns as Tammy Abraham, Chris Smalling, Renato Sanches, and Marash Kumbulla are all unavailable for selection. Additionally, Roma has experienced player losses due to international commitments, with Evan Ndicka, Houssem Aouar, and Sardar Azmoun all ruled out for the upcoming fixtures.

Head to Head

Total matches – 63

AC Milan – 23

AS Roma – 19

Draws – 21

Predicted lineup

AC Milan predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Maignan; Calabria, Gabbia, Hernandez; Musah, Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders, Jimenez; Pulisic, Jovic, Leao

AS Roma predicted lineup (3-5-2)

Patricio; Huijsen, Mancini, Nissen; Zalewski, Bove, Paredes, Cristante, Karsdorp; Lukaku, Dybala

Match Prediction for AC Milan vs AS Roma

AC Milan have maintained an undefeated streak against Roma in their last eight encounters since suffering a defeat in October 2019. Among these matches, they secured victories in five instances, including a 2-1 triumph at the Stadio Olimpico earlier this season.

Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 AS Roma

Telecast

India – JioCinema, VIACOM18

UK – TNT Sports

US – Paramount+, CBS

Nigeria – NTA, SportsTV, SUPERSPORT, TOP SPORTS TV