AC Milan vs Benfica – Predicted lineup and team news

AC Milan will welcome Benfica to San Siro for their opening UEFA Europa League match on Wednesday, September 16, 2023, at 8pm BST. The Italian club enters the competition with a 50% win rate in their last two Serie A games, showcasing a forward line capable of high-pressure attacks but still vulnerable defensively. Under manager Rúben Amorim, the Rossoneri begin the campaign on an unblemished domestic streak, having secured two wins and two draws in their first four league fixtures.

Injury concerns aside, AC Milan are expected to field a strong lineup that balances experience with youth development. Centre-back Matteo Gabbia will return to action after a recent illness, while English winger Omari Hutchinson is fully fit and ready to make an impact. Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, and veteran midfielder Luka Modrić will sit on the bench due to workload considerations.

Amorim likely plans to deploy a flexible 3-4-2-1 formation, starting young defenders Koni De Winter and Strahinja Pavlović, and allowing experienced leaders Yanis Cissé and Gonçalo Ramos to spearhead the attack against their European opponents.