AC MILAN v UDINESE: THE BRIEFING

Restarting from San Siro and from our own certainties: the Rossoneri are back in front of their home faithful for Saturday's match against Udinese, who will, as always, prove vital in the side returning to victory, first and foremost, and help in getting some momentum back for upcoming games. Udinese's new Coach, Cioffi, is in need of points and confidence, as they look for a trigger in the match against us to start moving up the table. Here are some keys to understanding the Friulans at San Siro.

THE DANGEROUS LEFT FLANK
With absences and poor results recently, the Rossoneri are certainly in a sticky patch and need to rely on their certainties: one of these is the left flank, which should see Theo Hernández and Rafa Leão line up against the Friuliani. The duo pair back up at San Siro for the first time since AC Milan v Lazio on 30 September and, after more than a month, will be trying to lead their teammates back to a home victory. Pulisic has been involved in six goals (four goals, two assists) in the first ten games of this season and has proven to be a player of the highest calibre. In his absence, it is possible that the team will look to threaten more down Theo and Rafa's side. As is often used in basketball, the right wing could be exploited more for "weak side" turnovers, useful for attacking the spaces that Udinese could leave when covering.

THE ALTERNATIVES
While there may be some absences to deal with, the Rossoneri squad has been built to have the right alternatives, even in an "emergency" situation like this one. Loftus-Cheek, who is back available after AC Milan v Lazio on 30 September, will certainly not start the game but may see some action coming off the bench, while Luka Romero could start off on the right. In addition to Ruben, Coach Pioli will be able to draw on players like Noah Okafor and Luka Jović, who are working hard to reach their best form. Adli's passing ability, Pobega's timely runs forward and Florenzi's flexibility could also be potential interesting changes, whether from the start or during the match. With just three games before the November break, AC Milan need contributions from every single player, starting from the fixture against Udinese, which must be a springboard for various squad elements, even the youngest, who have, up to now, found little opportunity.

KEEPING THE BACK DOOR SHUT
The Rossoneri arrived at the October break on the strength of an outstanding post-derby defensive display, with only one goal conceded in 6 games: five clean sheets, the last three of which were in a row. It hasn't been the happiest of returns against Juventus, PSG and Napoli, with the team conceding six goals in three games. Against the Friuliani, Coach Pioli will be able to field the back four that has the most overall mileage during this start of the season again: Malick Thiaw returns from suspension, while Calabria, Tomori and Hernández should keep their place. Injuries to Kalulu and Pellegrino, and Kjær not being in the best shape, does limit the Coach's choices but, also in view of the Champions League return fixture with PSG, it is important that the rearguard regains the solidity and unbeaten record that had characterized them in the weeks prior.

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