Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is primed to make his first start for AC Milan when they face Newcastle in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening.
The Nigeria international is yet to start since joining the Rossoneri in the summer from Villarreal, and after making multiple appearances from the bench, he could make his full debut in their Champions League game against Newcastle.
Milan vs Newcastle preview and team news
Milan vs Newcastle is not a regular Champions League match but after last season’s Cinderella run in the Premier League, Newcastle have found themselves in the elite competition once again.
This will be Milan’s 20th Champions League campaign, the second most of any Italian side after Juventus (23).
As for Newcastle, this will be the Magpies’ first appearance in the Champions League since the 2002-03 campaign. In fact, their last match was 20 years and 184 days ago.
Chukwueze, who has made four substitute appearances in the Serie A for Milan, could start in the Champions League opener at the San Siro on Tuesday evening.
The 24-year-old could come in as a replacement for Christian Pulisic on the right side of Milan’s attack.
Pulisic may have started the season very well, but his performance in the Milan derby was nothing to write home about and Chukwueze could do a lot better on the wings for Stefan Pioli if trusted with a start due to his pace and trickery.
This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Milan and Newcastle. Meanwhile, Milan have won just one of their last 11 matches against English sides (two draws and eight losses).
Both Milan and Newcastle have struggled to keep clean sheets this season, with just one apiece.
Newcastle come into this game on the back of their first win (1-0 vs Brentford) in four games, while Milan were humbled by Inter 5-1 in the first Milan derby of the season.
All eyes will be on Samuel Chukwueze if he gets the nod to start in front of the home crowd at San Siro.
Milan vs Newcastle lineups and predictions – Samuel Chukwueze tipped to start
Milan vs Newcastle lineups
Based on the team news, here is what we think AC Milan vs Newcastle starting XIs will look like.
Milan
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Defenders: Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, Theo Hernandez
Midfielders: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Rade Krunic, Tijjani Reijnders
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Olivier Giroud, Rafael Leao
Newcastle
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn
Midfielders: Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Elliot Anderson
Forwards: Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon
Milan vs Newcastle prediction
Many Nigerians are disappointed that Samuel Chukwueze has not been given the chance to prove his worth on the pitch but Stefan Pioli. Many believe strongly that the Nigerian has the potential to improve what has been done in that position so far by Pulisic.
However, Milan and Pioli know that they need a result quickly to erase the derby loss to Inter and it has to come against Newcastle on Tuesday. The English side have been poor this season and have lost all their games on the road this campaign.
Milan played in the semifinals of this competition last season and expectations will be high on the basis of that. So, they should be able to take the win, and Samuel Chukwueze could play a part in it.
Milan 2 – 1 Newcastle
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 month ago
