AC MILAN v CHELSEA: KEYS TO THE MATCH

AC Milan await Chelsea at San Siro hoping to wipe out from the memory banks the away defeat to the Blues, and get their Champions League qualification ambitions back on track. The side from London, who now have four points in Group E alongside the Rossoneri, haven't conceded in two games and haven't lost since Potter's arrival, after conceding at least once in every game since the start of the season previously. The home side will be hoping to turn the tide in their favour with the backing of the home crowd and some tactical tweaks. Let's take a look at some potential key areas: 

THE WING AREAS
The dominance of Chelsea in the first game at Stamford Bridge was largely down to their wing play. Both influential on the night with a goal and an assist, Ben Chilwell and Reece James were able to find the right spaces at the right time to unlock the Rossoneri defence and prove decisive going forward. At the weekend, they were both rested with Azpilicueta and Cucurella coming in, both potential starters in Tuesday's game. In Stefano Pioli's squad, the left-hand side may be bolstered with the return of Theo Hernández, which would be a welcome return to offer further support to Leão. In fact, the Frenchman's qualities provide the Rossoneri further attacking options out wide, creating more space and holes for Rafa's mazy attacking runs. As in the game against Juventus, the selection of Gabbia in the heart of the defence may push Kalulu out to the right, add a further physical presence in the battle of the wings.

THE BATTLE IN THE TRENCHES
In the first game between the two teams, the Blues were effective in mixing their play up by keeping the ball and pressing high. Potter's side, specialists in winning the ball back high up the pitch, had the better of the Rossoneri in the number of balls recovered and balls given away. Chelsea's control of the game stopped AC Milan having their typical high back-line, forcing them back and causing Tonali and Bennacer difficulties in keeping Mount and Sterling's explosive and unpredictable runs under control. With this in mind, holding back and pressing Chelsea's midfield from the trequartista and right-winger in Pioli's starting line-up could well make the difference at San Siro on Tuesday.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NUMBER 9 SHIRT
AC Milan need to find a way to give better and more consistent supply to its forward line in order to be more dangerous around Keba's goal. In the game in London, the Rossoneri had only one attempt on goal, against Chelsea's seven. Giroud, marked out of the game by Potter's back three, was totally ineffective in and around the box, while Aubameyang received the right ball to double the lead. The two centre-forwards play a vital function in both sides' systems, not only because of their quality hold-up play, which allows the wide men to foray forward, but also because of their goal-scoring capabilities. This is confirmed by the fact that both sides have only won in this season's European competition when their number 9 has netted. With Olivier being rested for the final 30 minutes of the game against Juventus, Pioli realises the importance of the French striker. But he is also aware of the precious resources in Rebić and Origi, both looking for their first Champions League goal this year.

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