Can Milan's tired back line hold Everton's wide men?

A European night is decided long before the forwards get their moment. It is decided in the legs of defenders, in whether a full-back can hold his angle for ninety minutes, and in whether a midfield can shield the space behind him. Milan's problem this week is not invention; it is endurance.

Milan expect their usual 4-4-2, but the men who make it work are running on empty. Viviano Neri is tired, Marco Antoniazzi is tired, and Francesco Cirronis is tired, all three of them short of full sharpness at the back. Massimo Sanna is out with a damaged neck. Against a side that plays 4-3-3 DM Wide and looks to the flanks first, that matters. Everton's Evandro Ferreira has been their most consistent attacking presence, and Carlos Iglesias, though out of form, still asks a full-back to defend for the whole night. The duel between Ferreira and Ander Sesma on Milan's right is the one to watch; the numbers favour the winger's recent ratings, though not by much.

Milan's own threat is central. Armin Cottignoli has three goals in his last five and a healthy expected-goals figure; Emiliano Amore scored twice in that same stretch and produced his best rating in the most recent match. Against a 4-3-3, Milan have won both of their recent meetings, scoring six and conceding two.

Everton are missing Antonio Lloret with a bruised thigh, and that leaves Pedro Henrique to hold the middle. Their record in this shape is middling: five wins, two draws, five defeats, and chances have been hard to come by. Alberto Robles, who spent three seasons at Milan before leaving, has been their creative spark recently, with four clear-cut chances made in three games.

The last meeting between these clubs went Everton's way, 3-0. Milan's supporters will remember it. So will the players who were on the pitch that day. What Milan need is control: a clean sheet would settle them. What Everton need is to make the tired legs chase.