AC Milan: Midweek Win Against Viktoria Plzen Critical

Never has a big midweek win been more critical for the Rossoneri. Blitzing their Champions League opponents, Viktoria Plzen, on Wednesday could set them up for a season defining game this Sunday at the Juventus Stadium.

It's not been the start AC Milan fans will have been hoping for, as some poor results and some desperately unlucky injuries have set the Rossoneri back time and time again over the first four Serie A games.

The 1-0 home win over Cesena this weekend looked uncertain and scruffy, but nevertheless it was a win. A win that brought back the first three point haul of the season so far to get AC Milan truly up and running.

Wins breed confidence and it was important to register one sooner rather than later, even if it is against the lowly Cesena, who are without a point so far. While Clarence Seedorf admits his goal was rather lucky, there were some genuine positives that came out of the game.

A clean sheet is a clean sheet and AC Milan's defence is often lauded as one of the best. However, it's been far from it's best so far this season as six strikes found Abbiati's net in the opening three league games plus two more at the Nou Camp.

In addition to this, Taye Taiwo played his first minutes in a AC Milan shirt and despite escaping a red card and being subbed off just after half time, the signs are promising and Massimo Allegri will welcome him back into the fold.

So, with Juventus away looming at the weekend, it is in AC Milan's best interests to put out a strong team and thump FC Viktoria Plzen for confidence values and goal difference in a tight group.

That doesn't mean risk Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is widely expected to be fully fit for the clash with Juventus, but it does mean ignoring the temptation to rest one or two star players, as it's early in the season and they'll have an extra days rest.

Juventus currently sit atop Serie A, unbeaten with two wins and two draws, as their new signings have gelled well and the new stadium has given them a feel good factor. There is no doubt that the game will be a monumental test for Allegri's troops and a 1-0 home win over Cesena will not enough to fill the players with confidence as they walk out in Turin.