How AC Milan Will Line Up Against Genoa

Milan play Genoa over the weekend in yet another Serie A match which could be pivotal for the Rossoneri's turnaround of their season.

The storyline for the past few seasons has been the plethora of injuries that Milan players have succumbed to, and this disturbing trend surely hasn't changed, with the team missing plenty of key players as they take on a resurgent Genoa.

Genoa has had a resurgence after being reunited with coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who has guided them to three straight victories after being near the bottom of the table.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri will have to do the best with his injury-depleted team. Without further ado, let's take a look at the team Milan will field against the Ligurian outfit.

The back line is where many of Milan's problems have stemmed from this season, and Christian Abbiati will line up between the sticks while Ignazio Abate, Philippe Mexes, Cristian Zapata and Urby Emanuelson are supposed to make up the defensive four.

Emanuelson is the wild card here. Interestingly enough, Coach Allegri tried desperately to turn him into a trequartista. After that project didn't quite go as planned, it seems that he's reverting to lining up the Dutchman in his more natural position on the left flank.

Emanuelson is surely not a defensive player, but he's able going forward and has a good left foot to swing in crosses or take set pieces.

The midfield in the 4-3-3 formation will contain plenty of steel without Riccardo Montolivo being out due to suspension. Sulley Muntari, Nigel de Jong and Andrea Poli will provide plenty of hard work and effort in the center of the park.

Depending on the situation, we've even seen the Dutch midfielder de Jong move to the back line to offer some help for the often-porous defense. When he does this, the formation seems to switch to a 3-5-2, with Abate and Emanuelson being able to play like true wing-backs. Remember, Ignazio Abate was a pure winger during his days with Torino.

Expect Poli to be the one venturing forward and joining the attack, even switching to a No. 10 position behind the strikers like he did at Sampdoria last season.

Up front, the Brazilian pair of Robinho and Kaka will flank Mario Balotelli, offering width and creativity. If they are able to link up steadily, this is one of the most electrifying attacks in Italy. It all depends on Balotelli, however. Mario has lost a bit of his "super" this season, failing to score or have an impact like the one he had after joining in the January transfer window.

The traveling Genoa team will be a tough test for Milan. They have the experienced Alberto Gilardino up front who has scored the most headed goals in the league since 2006. Coincidentally, Milan have given up the most aerial goals this calendar year according to the lead statistician at beIN Sport.

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