Serie A preview: Monza vs. AC Milan – Team news, opposition insight, stats and prediction
Opposition Insight
Newly-promoted Monza and reigning champions AC Milan face off in Serie A on Saturday, with both teams looking to make a statement. The hosts will be buoyed by their impressive start to the season while the visitors come into this one off the back of a disappointing defeat in the Champions League.Monza, who finished second in Serie B last season, have won two and drawn one of their opening three league games, including an impressive 1-0 victory over Juventus. They will be confident of causing Milan problems, especially in front of their own fans.
Milan, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League. Stefano Pioli's side have won two of their three Serie A games so far, but they will need to be at their best to overcome a tough Monza side.
The two teams have met twice in the past, with Milan winning both encounters. However, Monza will be hoping to make it third time lucky on Saturday.
Team News
Monza will be without the suspended Andrea Barberis for the match against Milan. However, they have no other major injury concerns.Milan, meanwhile, have a number of injury problems. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Simon Kjaer, Rade Krunic and Alexis Saelemaekers are all ruled out, while Davide Calabria is a doubt.
Stats
* Monza have won two and drawn one of their three Serie A games so far this season. * Milan have won two of their three Serie A games so far this season. * The two teams have met twice in the past, with Milan winning both encounters.Prediction
This is a tough match to call. Monza are a good team and they will be confident of causing Milan problems. However, Milan are the reigning champions and they have a lot of quality in their squad.Ultimately, I think Milan will win the match 2-1. They have more experience at this level and they should be able to find a way to break down the Monza defence.
