The Hard Tackle identifies three players whose actions on Tuesday between AC Milan and PSG could have a favorable effect on the outcome.
The second half of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League begins on Tuesday of this week. Two major matches are scheduled for the day, the second of which will take place at San Siro as AC Milan takes on PSG.
Following a few below-average performances by AC Milan, Stefano Pioli is feeling more and more pressure. The Serie A powerhouses have lost all four of their previous games, the most recent being a shocking 1-0 setback to Udinese this past weekend. In the meantime, the hosts are at the bottom of the UEFA Champions League and have failed to register a goal.
Rafael Leao
AC Milan would have hoped for Rafael Leao to become an elite performer at the top level when he guided them to the Serie A title in the 2021/22 season. But the Portuguese international has blown hot and cold since becoming the MVP of the Italian top flight that term.
While Leao’s stock remains high, his performances have not justified the billing pundits and fans often bestow upon him. The 24-year-old has captured the attention of high-profile clubs like PSG, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
But unless he steps up his performance levels and consistently delivers the goods on the biggest stage, those suitors might disappear. So, Tuesday’s fixture gives Leao the opportunity to prove his naysayers wrong. The former Serie A MVP will look to trouble the PSG defenders with his directness. In addition, Theo Hernandez’s presence on the left flank will be crucial for him.
Randal Kolo Muani
Kylian Mbappe will invariably have the spotlight on him. And as he does more often than not, the French international should rise to the occasion and be PSG’s talisman on Tuesday. But even Mbappe needs the appropriate support to consistently deliver the goods. That brings Randal Kolo Muani into the picture.
The French international was slow off the blocks after sealing a deadline-day move to PSG. He still only has a sub-par record of three goals and two assists in ten appearances thus far for Les Parisiens. But recent performances have suggested that a change in fortunes is afoot for him.
Kolo Muani was an exceptional performer for Eintracht Frankfurt and proved to be one of the most productive performers in Germany in the last 12 months. The reverse fixture suggested he was finding his feet. And another impressive performance will drag PSG over the finish line, getting them the crucial three points on Tuesday.
Fikayo Tomori
Our list ends with another AC Milan player. As is often the case, we go ahead with two players from the team that will be the underdog in the upcoming battle. So, the third and final pick today is AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.
The English international took to Serie A like a fish to the water after arriving from Chelsea nearly three years ago. He was a pivotal figure as AC Milan lifted the Serie A title in the 2021/22 season. But Tomori’s performance levels have dipped in the last 12 months.
In particular, his subpar showings have been one of the reasons behind AC Milan dropping points in the recent barren run. So, the 25-year-old needs to rediscover his best form to guide the Rossoneri. A solid showing will frustrate and isolate Kylian Mbappe, and that will be the job done for the hosts. AC Milan will thus bank on the former Chelsea defender to get them closer to a positive result.
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