Pirlo and Seedorf are irreplaceable in the midfield.

It is becoming hard to know what to expect with Milan this season. The side is enjoying a five match undefeated run and have beaten the likes of Real Madrid and Roma. But, the same side has incredibly lost to Zurich and has struggled against modest sides like Atalanta and Bari. In addition, given the way in which the Real Madrid game was won and how the win in Napoli was lost and it makes Milan a bookies nightmare. Always capable of creating something special to win but at the same time capable of dour unimaginative football. Looking to the match tonight against Parma and it is anyone’s guess which Milan side will show up.

Looking closer and there are a number of concerns heading into this match. Nesta will not be playing as he will be rested for the Real clash on Tuesday. With Kaladze or Favalli as his replacement it can not be argued that at the back we will be much much weaker. Abate is suspended and this leaves Leo with less options. Oddo is most likely to come in as replacement. But the real concern in my opinion is the continuing use of Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf. At 30 and 33 years respectively, these two players have played the full ninety minutes in the last four matches in just two weeks. In addition, Andrea Pirlo has hardly been given a rest all season such is his importance in the team. With another full schedule of matches ahead this week, it is a real possibility that fatigue will start affecting these two players.

The likes of Pato, Thiago Silva have also been used extensively but these two players are young and at their age can handle it. As for our full backs at least there is some rotation that gives them temporary relief whilst Ambrosini and Flamini have been together handling the duty of defensive minded midfielder. Up front and there is rotation between Inzaghi, Huntelaar and Borriello. But Ronaldinho is even now starting to pile up some playing time and in all honesty he does not look fit enough still to be playing two or three matches per week.

With limited options on the bench or none at all, this issue of player fatigue may become a real issue sooner rather than later this season for two of arguably our most important players, Pirlo and Seedorf. Though their form has been inconsistent, there is no one nonetheless that can replace them. Our midfield would be highly unimaginative were these two to be rested and if at times this season we have looked dour, we would only look worse if these two were rested. Pirlo keeps the midfield ticking whilst Seedorf has proved himself to be our main source for goal assists. It is simply the case that Leo cannot afford to rest these two players. But, there is hope at the end of the tunnel in the form of David Beckham. With the imminent arrival of ‘Becks’, there will be a ready replacement for Seedorf and Pirlo in the middle of the park. Not only will Beckham provide an alternative but these three players together on the field also promises much.

But Beckham is not here yet and will not arrive until January. With Parma tonight, Real on Tuesday and Lazio next weekend, it will be another busy week for the team and an important one too. Milan need to keep climbing the table to get into the top four. The match against fourth placed Parma provides Milan with a great opportunity to do so. A win at home can elevate the side into the top four so the side must go all out for a win. But then there is the match against Real on Tuesday in what is another important match. A win can help ensure Milan’s progress to the round of 16 but with a loss the team may just find it that much harder to progress especially if there is a winner in the tie between Zurich and Marseille.

So fatigue is clearly an issue or at least will soon be especially for Pirlo and Seedorf, two of Milan’s most important players. Though, there does not seem to be any other option but to continue playing the pair and just hope that they can get through the week as at least there will be an international break afterwards. Though Pirlo will then be expected to front up for Italy so perhaps for Pirlo it does not get better. Good thing we have the MilanLab but I am not sure if it is enough.

Despite all the concerns I am confident that Leo and his boys can win tonight. Against Real, with the return of Nesta and with the psychological advantage the team will have, I am also confident of a Milan success. Milan may have been at times this season highly unpredictable. But, we are five matches without a loss and seemingly have ridden ourselves of our goalscoring hoodoo with nine goals in four matches. There is evidence that Milan have turned a page and though there are concerns that remain, perhaps we have to remember that we support AC Milan and because of this, success is always a possibility.

I thought I would refer you guys to this article AC Milan – Europe’s box of chocolates. It talks about the unpredictability of AC Milan this season. Though it is written from neutral’s perspective, it is at least a light-hearted look at Milan’s somewhat inconsistent form this season. However, as far as making Milan one of Europe’s most exciting teams to watch I am not so sure but maybe that is just because when watching Milan my whole world is at the mercy of the fortunes of the team.

Team news

Abate is suspended, Nesta will be rested but Gattuso has recovered from his injury and will most likely start from the bench.

Expected lineup

(4-3-3): Dida; Oddo, Thiago Silva, Kaladze, Zambrotta; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Seedorf; Pato, Borriello, Ronaldinho

Prediction

It will be another difficult task for Milan and even though the side may have one eye on the midweek encounter against Real, the importance of getting a result against Parma will not go unnoticed by Leo and his men. A win and Milan are in the top four, a loss and they can dramatically fall down the table with only three points separating them and 12th position. Milan seem to have turned things around this season and given the frustrating loss of points against Napoli, I am sure that the team will be motivated to ensure this time that they get all three.

Milan 2 Parma 1