Season Predictions 2013-14


The new season is always filled with anticipation, the possibilities unwritten. Until now. Because to curb your jitters ahead of Saturday’s opening match, we are asking you to actually write some possibilities for us. And because we like you, we’ve gone first. You’re welcome.




I hope that you will recognize my guests, as they are both repeat podcast offenders around here, amongst other things. David was clever enough to come up with the idea for this post and also the questions, but if you don’t like them, then it’s all my fault.

Milan's future could depend on his health

First up, David Swan, Twitter fiend and wizard of all things Milan finance. You can check out his fantastic site, acmilanfinance.com and follow him on Twitter @DavidLSwan. Here are David’s predictions:

Best signing of the window (so far):
Andrea Poli, but only because the midfield needs players like him. Still not utterly convinced he will make it at the highest level, but we'll see.

Player you would most like to see leave:
One of the players who the club signed outright this summer - Kevin Constant. Not good enough as a left-back or central midfielder. He takes space away from De Sciglio, plus I think Emanuelson can be better than him as second choice left-back.

It's a make or break year for:
Ignazio Abate. I got the impression Milan were very tempted to sell him when the offer from Zenit came in last January, but decided against it for one reason or another (maybe the player's desire to stay). Needs to return to the levels of two season's ago, where he was very good defensively. I feel another average season, combined with the presence of De Sciglio plus two other guys who can play left-back (Constant and Emanuelson), could see the club decide to cash in on him while they can still get €10m+.

Can Milan challenge for the Scudetto?
They can certainly challenge. I think the fact they're being overlooked a little bit is good for them. A lot of focus is on Napoli, and rightly so, but the first 15 or so players in this squad is good enough to compete, particularly if they get Honda before the window ends.

The most important factor for Milan having a good season is:
Mario Balotelli staying fit for the whole season. His knee worries me - he had meniscus injuries at a young age and has probably had some of it removed. But there are clearly recurring problems with the bits left in that are causing swelling and ongoing pain.

Predict the top five for the 2013-14 Serie A season:
Juventus, Napoli, Milan, Inter, Fiorentina

Vergara a strong move in a weak market

Next up is Pete Acquaviva, tactical savant and Twitter pundit. For the best tactical analysis of Milan, Serie A and more, check out his DAI DAI DAI blog and follow him on Twitter @PDAcquaviva. Here are Pete’s picks:

Best signing of the window (so far):
 Vergara. Massive upside in a window without a quality high end option. 

Player you would most like to see leave:
Antonio Nocerino or Kevin Prince Boateng, although Boateng is tougher to replace. Both potentially, if a full-midfield revolution is going to take place. 

It's a make or break year for:
Phillipe Mexes. He's on the highest wages on the team and another solid year may convince the management that he's deserving of an extension although he would most likely need to forfeit some monetary compensation. 

Can Milan challenge for the Scudetto?
If they qualify for the Champions League, yes. Then the reinforcements will make it possible. But as-is today? No.

The most important factor for Milan having a good season is:
Qualifying for the Champions League. Without it, this season is a year zero 2.0. The +€30m boost makes all the difference. 

Predict the top five for the 2013-14 Serie A season:
Juventus, Milan, Fiorentina, Napoli, Udinese

Giving our midfield a new look

And finally, Elaine, speaking about herself in the third person again. If that’s not crazy enough, follow her on Twitter @milanobsession for the really crazy rants. Here are my predictions:

Best signing of the window (so far):
 Andrea Poli. A breath of fresh air.

Player you would most like to see leave:
Kevin Prince Boateng - to make room and also so Allegri no longer has the option of playing him up front. Ever again.

It's a make or break year for:
Antonio Nocerino. I feel like if he can have a good season, he'll prove the naysayers wrong. If not, he'll always be a one-season wonder. He's also one of those players who, when he is playing well, the team plays well.

Can Milan challenge for the Scudetto?
Yes. Will they win? Not likely.

The most important factor for Milan having a good season is:
Squad rotation and avoiding injuries. (Sorry, that was two.)

Predict the top five for the 2013-14 Serie A season:
Juventus, Fiorentina, Milan, Napoli, Sassuolo

Montolivo was recently seen casing the trophy room for space for new trophies

Now it’s YOUR turn. Copy and paste the following in the comments, and add your season predictions:

Best signing of the window (so far):

Player you would most like to see leave:

It's a make or break year for:

Can Milan challenge for the Scudetto?

The most important factor for Milan having a good season is:

Predict the top five for the 2013-14 Serie A season:


Forza Milan!


Our next match is
Hellas Verona vs. Milan
Saturday, August 24 • 18:00 CEST (12noon EDT)

(Preview will be up tomorrow)
Season Predictions 2013-14 Season Predictions 2013-14 Reviewed by Elaine on 12:02 AM Rating: 5
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