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Atletico, Milan look to find some form


Published : 23 Nov 2021 09:01 PM | Updated : 24 Nov 2021 08:51 AM

Two giants of the European game struggling to perform in the Champions League do battle at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday, as Atletico Madrid meet AC Milan in Group B.

Diego Simeone's men have just four points to their name from their opening four games, while the Rossoneri are bottom of the rankings with one point from a possible 12.

Simeone's men currently occupy third spot - which would result in an unfancied drop down to the Europa League - in Group B, but second-placed Porto are only one point clear as they prepare to face a daunting trip to Anfield to face the group leaders.

Atletico have also won just one of their last six games in the Champions League - although it was their dramatic late success over Milan at San Siro - so Stefano Pioli's side will be out for a measure of revenge in midweek. 

Read more: Man City, PSG showdown tonight

Atletico forward Antoine Griezmann is available again after a second game of suspension was overturned on appeal, but Felipe is banned after seeing red at Anfield.

Luis Suarez played just 25 minutes as a substitute at the weekend but is sure to start this one, while Kieran Trippier is out with a shoulder injury and Joao Felix is doubtful due to a calf issue.

Jose Gimenez will make an immediate return to the defence as Felipe takes his place on the naughty step, with Marcos Llorente potentially starting at right-wing back.

As for Milan, Ciprian Tatarusanu continues to deputise in goal for the injured Mike Maignan, and the Frenchman is joined on the sidelines by Fikayo Tomori, Ante Rebic, Davide Calabria and Samu Castillejo.

Pioli also played down any fears of a serious injury for Leao after the Fiorentina defeat, but Rade Krunic is on standby, and Olivier Giroud may start up top to give Ibrahimovic's 40-year-old legs a rest.

Alessio Romagnoli and Ismael Bennacer could provide fresh legs in defence and midfield respectively, as one of Sandro Tonali or Franck Kessie makes way.

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