AC Milan vs Sassuolo: Match preview, possible lineup, team news and predictions

AC Milan, currently positioned third in the Serie A standings, are set to face a struggling Sassuolo team, which is placed 15th. The Rossoneri will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing 2-2 draw against Salernitana, while Sassuolo aims to recover from a narrow 2-1 defeat against Genoa.

AC Milan has been battling inconsistency this season, with only 10 wins in their first 18 matches, their lowest at this stage in the last three seasons. However, they have kept nine clean sheets at home this year. Sassuolo, with just four victories this season, has shown vulnerability, especially in defence, conceding at least two goals in their last seven Serie A matches.

For AC Milan, the focus will be on striker Olivier Giroud and winger Christian Pulisic. Key players like Fikayo Tomori and Luka Jovic are doubts due to injuries. The probable lineup could be a 4-3-3 formation with Maignan in goal, a back four of Calabria, Kjaer, Simic, and Hernandez, and a midfield trio of Loftus-Cheek, Bennacer, and Reijnders.

Sassuolo will likely rely on Domenico Berardi, who has an impressive record against Milan. Their expected formation is a 4-2-3-1 with Consigli in goal, a defence comprising Toljan, Erlic, Ferrari, Pedersen, Henrique and Thorstvedt in midfield, and an attacking line of Berardi, Bajrami, Lauriente, and Pinamonti.

Historically, AC Milan has won 12 out of their last 24 matches against Sassuolo, but they have lost their last three home games against them in Serie A.

AC Milan tends to play an attacking style of football, utilising the width of the pitch and crossing into the box for Giroud. Sassuolo, known for their counter-attacking play, will try to exploit Milan's defensive vulnerabilities.

The match is predicted to favour AC Milan, with expectations of over 2.5 goals. Giroud is also tipped to be among the goals. AC Milan, despite their inconsistencies, are favoured to win, likely by a score of 3-1. However, given Sassuolo's recent track record at San Siro, an upset shouldn't be ruled out. The match will be a crucial one for Milan's title aspirations and Sassuolo's survival battle. 

The match will be broadcast live, and fans can tune in to SuperSports on DSTV to watch