AC Milan v Inter Milan- Sunday 15th January – San Siro (21:45)
The historic Milan derby is in town this weekend and as usual the significance of this encounter is incredible as this tie can prove decisive in crowning the eventual champions of the season. Both teams are in great form and this encounter is expected to go down to the wire.
AC Milan are in scintillating form as they are on a 8 game unbeaten run and have yet to be defeated at home. They currently lie in 2nd spot, tied with leaders Juventus on 37 points. They boast the top goal scoring record in the league and have conceded the least amount of goals thus far. Milan is really determined to retain their title and are heading in the right direction to achieve that. They contain one of the most lethal attacking lines and have seemed to get their defensive problems in check. Manager Massimiliano Allegri will be looking to add a 19th Serie A title to the cabinet and has more than enough at his disposal to reach this fate. With the likes of Alexandre Pato, Robinho, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all adding to the course there is no telling the heights this squad can reach. To add more fuel to the fire, Milan recently agreed terms with Argentinean Striker Carlos Tevez, who should make his debut in this encounter. If he can strike up a combination with his fellow front men, I feel really sorry for defenders around Europe.
Inter Milan have transformed their season from the dismal start they had. They were stuck in the relegation zone in the early stages of the campaign and had a lot of problems both off and on the pitch. Manager Claudio Ranieri has used his excessive knowledge of the Italian Serie A to rally his troops up the table. Inter currently sit in 5th place and are looking like the formidable force of old and the likes of Diego Forlan and Diego Milito are starting to prove their worth once again as they find themselves on the score sheet more regularly. On a less positive note, Inter will be without talisman Wesley Sneijder as he still struggles to regain fitness from a thigh injury. The Dutchman has been a pivotal force this season and will be sorely missed in the midfield where he is known to pull the strings for Inter. His replacement Ricardo Alvarez has been getting great reviews thus far and Claudio Ranieri feels he can fill the gap for the time being.
These two giants will be going all out for the victory and this fixture always provides drama of the highest calibre. AC Milan is tipped to get the 3 points.
