UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Will Christian Pulisic play for AC Milan vs Newcastle in the UEFA Champions League?

The USMNT forward could pay the price for a shambolic team display against city rivals Inter in Serie A.

DANIELE MASCOLOREUTERS

The Derby della Madonnina was a catastrophe for AC Milan, who were thumped 5-1 against eternal rivals Inter in Serie A. As a result, a few players may see themselves relegated to the bench in the Champions League... including Christian Pulisic.

The Estadio Guiseppe Meazza was the scene for what will certainly turn out to be one of the most shocking results of the entire season, but the tough calendar gives AC Milan the chance to quickly turn things around and have a new target to focus on. Last time out in the Champions League, AC Milan made it all the way to the final four, where they eventually lost to, ahem, Inter Milan.

Newcastle’s form going into the Champions League tie

Newcastle United are up next for AC Milan (Tuesday 19 September with kick off at 12:45 p.m. ET / 9:45 a.m. PT) as they look to get over the dreadful derby demolition as soon as possible. The English side return to the Champions League proper for the first time since the 20023/03 season, where they made it to the second group stage and were drawn against Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan.

This season, The Magpies have not seen the same levels of performance that took everyone by surprise last year, and currently sit in 11th place having won 2 and lost 3 so far. Despite literally being owned by a state which is the world’s largest exporter of petroleum, that is not enough to assure that Eddie Howe tells Callum Wilson where to stand on a field in England’s north-east.

Doesn't that Newcastle shirt look just like Saudi Arabia's kit? No? Must just be me, then.DAVID KLEINREUTERS

Will Pulisic play for AC Milan in the Champions League?

Anyway, enough of state-ownership, back to AC Milan, who are owned by US Investment Firm, RedBird Capital Partners. They, or more specifically boss Stefano Pioli, is thinking of making changes to the side that lost heavily to Inter, and it seems that Christian Pulisic might be one of the casualties. According to DiMarzio, Pioli has a few changes in mind including bringing in ex-Villarreal winger Samu Chukwueze in Pulisic’s place.

As well as this Simon Kjaer may be replaced by Fikayo Tomori and another midfield change is also rumoured, which could well be USMNT international, Yunus Musah, who arrived in Italy from Valencia CF.

How can I follow the game?

What a great question. You can follow the game live on AS USA, with myself. Our coverage will be starting 90 minutes before kick-off to bring you all the latest team news and pre-game build-up.

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