AC MILAN v MONZA: THE BRIEFING

European football will now be put on the back burner. AC Milan delve into domestic action with a second straight all-Lombard affair. After facing Atalanta, it's now time to host Monza, and the Rossoneri will try to recover from that defeat in Bergamo and get back on track in Serie A. It will be the Diavolo's final home fixture before Christmas, against a team fighting for European football. Let's discuss some of the potential key talking points to the game with our Briefing.

MIDFIELD OPTIONS
There has been widespread discussion in recent weeks of the problems related to an injury-hit defence. The Monza game will be no exception in that sense, given captain Calabria's suspension and Simon Kjær's recovery still in doubt. As such, Primavera centre-back Jan-Carlo Simić could make his debut. However, there is a department of Stefano Pioli's side that is stocked to the brim with options. With Ismaël Bennacer fully recovered and in contention to start, AC Milan have a complete set of fully-fit midfielders and, therefore, alternatives to the midfield three seen in recent outings, comprised of Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders and Muash. As well as the Algerian, Adli and Pobega are also available, the latter of whom came off the bench against Newcastle. They will be ready should the need arise for the Rossoneri, who could go back to a more possession-based style of play - though with an ability to shift the ball upfield quickly too. This is the style that produced some of our best performances in recent years.

STRIKERS ON SONG
The Rossoneri's attack has been in fine form as well. Olivier Giroud has scored in each of his last two league games (Lecce and Atalanta) and is on the hunt for his first goals at San Siro in Serie A since AC Milan v Torino. Luka Jović, after scoring against Frosinone and Atalanta, put in a brilliant cameo performance in the Champions League. Noah Okafor returned from injury at St James' Park, while Samuel Chukwueze is looking to back up his two goals in Europe with his first in Serie A. The Nigerian will go up against Christian Pulisic for a starting berth; the USA international has been in great form too, with two goals scored in his last three games. Rafael Leão will be looking for a bit of a reboot as he is set to start in the league after getting minutes in the Champions League after a month out. Of the four goalscorers against Monza last season, the Portuguese is the only one still at the Club, and the game against Palladino's side offers Rafa a chance for a first league goal since 23 September.

STRUGGLES AGAINST A BACK THREE
The good form of the Rossoneri’s forwards could be crucial in order to overcome a slight hoodoo for AC Milan this season: playing against a back three. AC Milan have lost each of their last three games against teams that play with this system – Atalanta, Udinese and Juventus – and haven't won since September, against Cagliari and Hellas Verona. Taking into account that they take on Salernitana next, who also employ a three-at-the-back system, the game against the Brianzoli is doubly important. Unlike the Campanian side, however, Monza are a team that likes to keep possession and are more proactive on the front foot, though that could leave more space for our forwards to exploit. As such, duels with the opposition's wing-backs will be crucial, and the good form and fitness of our widemen could prove pivotal in taking the initiative on the flanks. Stefano Pioli's side have been clinical in their recent outings – as evidenced by their xG (4.5) and shot accuracy of 54%, the best in Serie A. Knowing the way to goal against a less than preferred formation would be a great sign.

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