Juventus are finally threatening to pull away from the pack in Serie A thanks to finally getting more than a three-point lead at the top of the table, but AC Milan will be hoping to finally end the bianconeri’s long undefeated streak. The Old Lady have won five straight and haven’t lost in a staggering 21 matches, giving them a six-point lead atop the table.
AC Milan vs. Juventus 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Can Milan end Juventus’ long unbeaten run in the league?
Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
The San Siro has traditionally been a hostile place to play, though, which would normally make Juventus fans nervous when paired with their current injury woes, but Milan have been struggling mightily of late. They haven’t won in four matches, and haven’t been a consistently dangerous side for quite awhile now. They’re not completely hopeless to the point that Juventus can easily expect to steamroll them -- they’re in sixth place in Serie A after all -- but they’re going to have to put in a top-shelf performance if they want to give themselves as good of a chance as possible at getting the upset.
Of course, the fact that Milan beating Juventus in the San Siro would even be considered an upset is a sign in and of itself as to how far il Diavolo have fallen, but that’s another matter for another time.
Key player -- Mario Mandzukic (Juventus)
With Paulo Dybala unlikely to play and not at full health even if he does, Juventus’ attack is going to lean heavily on Mandzukic in this match. While the big Croatian struggled earlier in the season, he’s been massively improved of late, and he can definitely use his size, work rate, and on-ball skills to unsettle Milan’s oft-imbalanced defense. Should he find success, this match could be a practical cakewalk for the league leaders.
Key matchup -- Carlos Bacca (AC Milan) vs. Andrea Barzagli (Juventus)
Through all of Milan’s recent struggles, their one consistent shining light has been Bacca. The Colombian striker has been a consistent threat in the final third, but Milan’s midfield and their lack of consistent creativity means that they struggle to get him the ball reliably in dangerous areas. That said, with Giorgio Chiellini out and Leonardo Bonucci’s availability a question mark, Barzagli is the only of Juventus’ main trio of central defenders who is a lock to play -- and he’s not a great matchup with Bacca’s power and quick-twitch ability on the ball. If Milan have the potential to get a clear upper hand in any matchup on the pitch, this is the one they need to exploit.
AC Milan injuries and suspensions
Out: Andrea Bertolacci, M’Baye Niang In doubt: Juraj Kucka, Philippe Mexes, Alex, Keisuke Honda, Riccardo Montolivo
Juventus injuries and suspensions
Out: Sami Khedira, Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres In doubt: Paulo Dybala, Leonardo Bonucci
Match Date/Time: Sat., 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy
TV: beIN Sports (U.S.), Sly Calcio 1, Sky Sport 1 HD Italia (Italy), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), RAI International
Online: beIN Sports Connect, fuboTV (U.S.), Sky Go Italia (Italy), BT Sport Live Streaming (U.K.)
See More:
