Huntelaar in action against Inter

Leo and the team have had plenty to think about following the disaster of two weeks ago. Tomorrow night Milan have a chance to redeem themselves and get back on track when they take on Livorno. With all due respect, Livorno really should not trouble Milan all too much even considering our team’s current struggles. The players will be desperate to put the derby loss well and truly behind them and for this I expect the side to be more than fired up to collect all three points.

Many of us will be eagerly anticipating this match with the news that Huntelaar is set to start in place of the injured Borriello. Huntelaar missed the opening match against Siena through suspension and rather curiously was benched in the derby. Tomorrow is Huntelaar’s big chance to make a good impression and I am confident he will.

It was evident, even in his cameo appearance in the derby, that Huntelaar will be able to creat more attacking options for the team. Something which Borriello simply struggles to do. For this I believe that with Huntelaar playing Milan will create more opportunities with players like Pirlo and Ronaldinho more than able to pick him out with their vision and passing range. With Pato also providing options alongside, the attacking partnership of Pato and Huntelaar promises much.

It has been reported during the week that Leo is considering playing Pirlo in a more advanced role. Like I claimed in my post Move Pirlo up and Dinho out, moving Pirlo up into the trequartista role may be a good move following his good form for Italy in that role and considering Dinho’s poor derby performance. However Dinho is expected to play so I am expecting that Pirlo will start in his usual midfield role and maybe given more of a license to venture forward.

This tie will be a big test for our Brazilian Ronaldinho. Starting out alright against Siena, Dinho really struggled against Inter as the question marks remain over his form. On such form Dinho cannot expect to be a guaranteed starter and with Pirlo pushing the case during the week that he should be our trequartista, the pressure is really on Ronaldinho to perform. It will be interesting to see how he responds. I have concern’s over the Brazilian’s attitude and professionalism however I do hope that he will respond with the right attitude and like a true professional by putting in a good performance against Livorno. If not, then Leo will seriously have to consider dropping the number 80 for the match against Marseille.

With Ronaldinho hopefully out to prove a point, again, with Pirlo rediscovering his form and with Huntelaar keen to show his worth I am confident Milan will collect all three points tomorrow. Milan have only won once in their last three outings in Livorno, however, the Amaranti really do not have a strong side this season and will be battling to stay in the top flight.

Team news

Milan have a number of players out with Bonera, Di Gennaro and Abbiati all injured while Gattuso is suspended (and also injured).

Massimo Oddo is expected to start in place of Janku with Zambrotta moving to the left. Thiago is to lineup again alongside Nesta in the centre of defence.

Flamini and Ambrosini are expected to get the nod in midfield alongside Pirlo with Seedorf again starting from the bench.

Expected Lineup: Storari; Oddo, Nesta, Thiago, Zambrotta; Flamini, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Ronaldinho; Pato, Huntelaar

Player to watch: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

The Dutchman gets his first competitive start for Milan and will be eager to show his worth. A natural out and out striker, do not be surprised if the Hunter finds the net.

Match Prediction: Livorno 0 Milan 2