As Milan prepare for their Champions League opener against Liverpool, manager Paulo Fonseca faces a crucial decision regarding his starting lineup. The match, set to be a litmus test for both teams’ ambitions this season, comes on the heels of Milan’s confidence-boosting victory over Venezia and precedes the highly anticipated derby against Inter Milan.
Fonseca’s starting eleven is nearly settled, with only a few positions still in question. In attack, Alvaro Morata is set to return, relegating Tammy Abraham to the bench. The Spanish striker will be supported by a trio of Rafael Leao, Tijjani Reijnders, and Christian Pulisic. The midfield pairing of Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to provide both physicality and defensive cover for the attacking unit.
The defensive line sees Mike Maignan in goal, with Theo Hernandez and Strahinja Pavlovic confirmed as starters. Fikayo Tomori may return to partner Pavlovic in central defense, potentially replacing Matteo Gabbia.
The main selection dilemma for Fonseca lies at right-back, where he must choose between Davide Calabria and Emerson Royal. Calabria, the current favorite, is recovering from a right leg contusion but has rejoined team training. Emerson, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from some underwhelming performances in his early Milan career.
Whoever gets the nod will face the daunting task of containing Liverpool’s Luis Diaz. This decision will also determine the captain’s armband, with Calabria set to lead if selected, otherwise passing to Theo Hernandez.
As Fonseca finalizes his team selection in the coming hours, he’ll be acutely aware that leadership on the pitch will be crucial in facing Arne Slot’s formidable Liverpool side.
Probable Milan lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Pavlovic, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Loftus-Cheek; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Morata
Probable Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez
