GdS: Predicted XIs for Arsenal vs. AC Milan – Allegri goes with a three-man defence

AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri has decided on the team he will field against Arsenal in the first summer preseason friendly.

There are some absences for Allegri to contend with. Youssouf Fofana and Alex Jimenez are not expected to play a part as both have had slight injury problems and will not be risked but both are tipped to be available against Liverpool on Satuday.

Then, there are the players not in the camp for various reasons. Emerson Royal, Ismael Bennacer and Yacine Adli are all waiting for their next clubs, while Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez are currently on vacation.

Arsenal vs. Milan: Predicted XIs

According to what is being reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below), Allegri will field a 3-5-2 formation. Mike Maignan will be in goal with Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw and Strahinja Pavlovic the three centre-backs.

The wing-backs will be Alexis Saelemaekers on the right and Davide Bartesaghi on the left. A midfield three of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Samuele Ricci and Yunus Musah should operate behind Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic up front.

Predicted Milan XI (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Thiaw, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, Musah, Bartesaghi; Leao, Pulisic.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.