Goals on the menu in Milan derby
Just three points separates second and sixth in Serie A in what could be a fascinating race for the top four.
AC Milan started their title defence in promising fashion but have fallen away since the World Cup break.
Stefano Pioli’s men may be spurred to make amends for their recent poor form with a victory over their local rivals, but Inter are rightful favourites given the way they have been playing in recent weeks.
Milan’s bubble has not burst, but they are threatening to fall out of the top four race altogether, this feels like a crucial fixture for the remainder of their season and Pioli’s position in the dugout.
Process
Inter do feel the more reliable pick here and will likely go on to finish second in the league, having shown a good level of consistency since Simone Inzaghi replaced Antonio Conte at the helm.
There is not too much between the teams in the data, with the stronger side defensively so far this season with a process to back that up.
Marcelo Brozovic and Samir Handanovic are both doubts for Inter, but they are also in a stronger position than Milan in terms of the fitness of their squad.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mike Maignan, Ismail Bennacer, Fikayo Tomori and Alessandro Florenzi are unavailable for Milan.
Milan have conceded nine goals in their last two league outings, and two or more in each of their last four.
They will pose an attacking threat, but it is hard to bank on their defence keeping them in this one, despite how close the sides are in the table.
Goals?
My angle into this encounter, there have been some hugely entertaining Milan derbies in recent years, and with neither side involved in the title race at the moment, both sides have less to protect and more reason to go all out for bragging rights.
Inter have scored in nine of ten.
Inter have conceded in six of ten.
Inter have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Inter have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Milan have scored in six of ten.
Milan have conceded in eight of ten.
Milan have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Milan have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-0 Inter, wrong angle on reflection, but a profitable week nonetheless.