Christian Pulisic is expected to start on the bench in Milan-Newcastle, while Matteo Guendouzi is favorite over Daichi Kamada for Lazio against Atletico Madrid.
The 2023-24 Champions League kicks off today at 5:45pm BST with Milan hosting Newcastle at the San Siro and Lazio taking on Atletico Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico at 8:00pm BST.
Both Serie A clubs look to bounce back after losing their league matches this weekend. Milan were beaten 5–1 by Inter in the Madonnina derby, while Lazio lost 3–1 to Juventus in Turin.
The Rossoneri are without the injured Pierre Kalulu and Mattia Caldara, while Marco Pellegrino and Luca Romero are not on their UEFA list. Pulisic is expected to come on the bench, while Samuel Chukwueze will start his first competitive match for Milan on the right wing.
Tommaso Pobega will replace Tijjani Rejenders in central midfield and Fikayo Tomori will return in central defense after a one-match suspension against Inter.
Former Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali is expected to start for Newcastle.
There are still some doubts about Lazio’s lineup against Atletico.
Guendouzi looks to be the favorite against Kamada, while Patrick could replace Nicolo Casale as the central defender. Alcide Hayaz and Adam Marusic should be the full-backs, but Manuel Lazzari also has a chance to start.
probable lineup
milan-newcastle
Milan (4-2-3-1): Megann; Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Loftus-Cheek, Krunic, Pobega; Chukwueze, Giroud, Leao.
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Shar, Botman, Bern; Bruno Guimaraes, Longstaff, Tonali; Almiron, Isaac, Gordon.
lazio-atlético madrid
Lazio (4-3-3): Provedale; Hysaj, Patrick, Romagnoli, Marusik; Guendouzi, Cataldi, Luis Alberto; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni.
Atlético Madrid (3-5-2): Oblak; Molina, Jimenez, Azpilicueta; Hermoso, Riquelme, Llorente, Witsel, Saul; Griezmann, Morata.