Ambrosini takes on Inler in last season encounter

Milan travel to Udine tomorrow night and will hope to make it three wins in the space of a week. It has been a busy schedule for the team, as this will the their fourth fixture in just ten days. Yet after a disappointing start to the season which has seen Milan occupy mid-table it is another win that is needed.

Milan much improved their Serie A form a few days ago when collecting three points at home to Bologna. Though Milan dominated the match, they really did not threaten the Bologna goal enough and only scored through a piece of individual brilliance from the veteran Seedorf.

Much of Milan’s success this season will rely on the partnership of Huntelaar and Pato. From what we have seen, this partnership needs much attention. But first, both Huntelaar and Pato need to improve their own form. Huntelaar has failed to make an impression with his lastest performance against Bologna somewhat under par. Pato also needs to mature and improve his decision making. In his defence however, we must consider that Pato is still very young and there already is perhaps too much expectation laid on the young Brazilians shoulders. In the end, I do have confidence that this partnership will work and lets hope tomorrow against Udinese it shows signs of improvement.

The Hunter needs to find some form

After a fine performance against Marseille and providing the match-winning goal against Bologna, Seedorf has done more than enough to stake his claim as the new trequartista. It is rumoured that Ronaldinho may start though, with the Brazilian recovering from the virus he had. Though I do not feel that he deserves to start, it may be necessary given Milan’s busy schedule over the next week. Seedorf is not getting any younger so perhaps it may be wise to rest him this week.

What is a must is that Abate starts at right back. Abate showed a willingness to run at the defence and get down the line. He has the pace and the attacking nature needed of a full back and from the evidence over the weekend, it seems he can also tackle. Surely in order to be a fully converted full back he will have to improve on his defensive skills but I believe that he needs to be given every chance possible in order for him to develop the necessary skills. Out of all our full backs, Abate is the only one with any of the aforementioned attributes. Favalli, Oddo, Zambrotta and Jankulovski all lack either the defensive skills or the pace and energy required to be an attacking threat. In addition, all these players are on the wrong side of thirty with their form on a downhill slope.

Unfortunately Thiago Silva will not play as the young Brazilian is injured. But after Kaladze’s good showing against Bologna, I am unconcerned by this. With Nesta back to his unflappable best, I would only be concerned if it was Alessandro that was unavailable. Lets hope Alessandro can stay fit for like the whole entire season. Unlikely this may be but fingers crossed.

Team news

As already mentioned, Ronaldinho has recovered from the virus and is unfortunately expected to start. Kaladze is expected to fill in again for the injured Thiago whilst Bonera, Di Gennaro and Borriello are all still injured.

Reports are that Janku will start in place of Abate but lets hope not whilst Huntelaar is expected to start up front again. Flamini may be ushered back into the side to give either Gattuso or Ambrosini a rest.

Expected lineup

Storari; Abate, Nesta, Kaladze, Zambrotta; Flamini, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Ronaldinho; Pato, Huntelaar

Player to watch

Once again it is Huntelaar. The Dutchman really needs to start finding some form at Milan. He has failed to impress so far this season and with reports linking Luca Toni to Milan for a move in January, the pressure is on the Dutchman to show Milan that they need look no further.

Match Prediction: Udinese 1 Milan 1