Seedorf and Milan need to continue their form from midweek

In the match against Marseille, Milan once again showed their European pedigree as they put in an impressive performance and claimed all three points at the Stade Velodrome. The team had none other to thank than legendary striker Pippo Inzaghi as the 36 year old once again outlined his phenomenal goal scoring ability bagging both goals. Another veteran, Clarence Seedorf deputising for Ronaldinho, also put in a fine display as he provided the assists for both the goals.

It is well-known that Milan are a different side in Europe, however, the side must improve on their dismal Serie A performances so far if they intend to play in Europe again next season. So far Milan have only managed one win, a heavy loss to cross-town rivals Inter and an uninspiring draw against Livorno. Currently the team sits in 10th position five points already off the pace. Leo’s side really needs to start climbing back up the table and there is no better time than tomorrow when they play Bologna.

The side has regained much confidence following their impressive midweek outing and Leo needs to make sure that the side capitalise on this. Questions remain as to how Leo should set about achieving this. Should Ronaldinho be given another chance? Should Inzaghi be rested and be replaced by Huntelaar?

The Ronaldinho question: Without Ronaldinho Milan looked a more fluid and cohesive side against Marseille. Much criticism has been levelled at Seedorf by Milan fans and it is true that at times he is very inconsistent. However, I believe the Dutchman should get the nod ahead of Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho has been woeful this season and simply because he is ‘Ronaldinho’ should not warrant that he gets chance after chance. Rather the side should be picked on form, and following his midweek display Seedorf has done enough to claim that he should start as the trequartista against Bologna.

The Inzaghi question: SuperPippo was outstanding in midweek. He truly is a legendary striker and one of the all-time Milan greats. Pippo, like Seedorf, has put in a strong claim to be in the starting eleven against Bologna. However,
whether to play Inzaghi or Huntelaar is not so clear. At 36 years old Inzaghi simply cannot be expected to play and perform week in week out and sometimes during the week also. He simply does not have the legs anymore. Also, Huntelaar is yet to be given a real chance this season. A cameo performance against Inter, Huntelaar did start the match against Livorno but was unable to make an impression. However, I do not read too much into his performance against Livorno. The whole side was woeful especially in the first half and with Ronaldinho playing in behind Pato and Huntelaar and without Pirlo in the midfield, the service to the forwards was non-existent. I believe Huntelaar needs to be given another chance. In saying that, Milan really need to pick up a win and Inzaghi’s good form may just help the side achieve this. It is the team that really matters in the end, not the individual and therefore Inzaghi should start ahead of Huntelaar.

Whatever Leo decides to do it better work. Milan cannot afford to drop more points. Against a rather weak Bologna side and at home, Milan need to collect all three points.

Team news
Ronaldinho has come down with a fever and therefore is not expected to play against Bologna. Seedorf will therefore get the nod to once again be the playmaker.

Di Gennaro, Abbiati and Borriello are all still out injured while Gattuso is again available following his suspension.

It is also been rumoured that Huntelaar will start replacing Pippo who is to be rested.

Expected lineup

Storari; Oddo, Nesta, Thiago, Zambrotta; Flamini, Gattuso, Pirlo; Seeforf; Pato, Huntelaar

Player to watch: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
With the side rejuvenated and with Pirlo starting expect a better showing from Huntelaar who will only be too eager to show his worth following Inzaghi’s midweek exploits.

Match prediction Milan 2 Bologna 1