Can Ronaldinho be the difference for Milan?

Every match this season needs to be treated by Leo as a final if Milan are to retain any hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season. For seriously, this season is fast appearing lost already and qualifying for the Champions League next season should be the aim. Even Galliani knows this.

The match against Bari tomorrow night is no different. Leo really needs to pick up the pieces from the outing in Udine and rally his players. Leo is set to reshuffle the side once again as he tries to keep this aging side fresh whilst also trying to find the right formula for the side, still.

The much anticipated pairing of Huntelaar and Pato has not showed the promise the was expected by many, including myself. Pato has looked increasingly isolated up front alongside both Pippo and KJH. There are many reasons for this and Ronaldinho’s poor form along with Seedorf’s typically inconsistent form are just one. In general, the attack has lacked support from the midfield and this has contributed to Milan’s failure to put it together in the final third.

As I eluded to in the preview to the Udinese game I believe there is too much a burden placed on the shoulders of the young Pato. At only 20 years old, the Brazilian prodigy should still be getting slowly integrated into the side. Rather, for lack of other options, Leo has made Pato a virtual guaranteed starter so far this campaign. It is clear that Pato is not up to the task, yet. The general lack of quality of the players around him have not helped him.

As for Huntelaar, well I believe he is suffering from the same problem, which is the lack of support from the midfield. Nonetheless, more was expected of the ‘The Hunter’. He needs to improve his form considerably.

Following his relatively impressive display against Udinese after coming on as a substitute, Ronaldinho is expected to start alongside Huntelaar in attack. Dinho provided that much needed link in the final third of the pitch against Udinese, as he on a few occasions opened up the Bianconeri defence. Sensibly, Dinho is expected to start.

Not starting Abate against Udinese was a mistake by Leo. Massimo Oddo is simply woeful and should never be considered a starter. Put him in the reserves. Thankfully, Abate is expected to start against Bari. Abate will provide some much needed pace and energy from the Milan backline. Unfortunately, Janku is expected to start on the left as Zambro is rested for the midweek Champions League clash against Zurich. I would much rather have the Papa Favalli at left back.

Team news

Flamini will have to serve a one-match suspension following his reckless sending off against Udinese. So Seedorf is expected to start alongside Pirlo and Ambrosini. Thiago Silva and Bonera are both still injured so Kaladze is expected once again to partner Nesta in the center of defence. Marco Borriello is stilll injured though it really is no great loss.

Expected lineup

Storari; Abate, Nesta, Kaladze, Janku; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf, Gattuso; Ronaldinho, Huntelaar

Player to watch

Following his promising display against Udinese as a substitute, all eyes wil be on whether he can build on that showing. Playing in a more advanced role, Ronaldinho will have plenty of support behind him but it is whether he can provide support to Huntelaar that will be crucial for Milan.

Match Prediction: Milan 1 Bari 0