AC Milan vs Palmero

AC Milan return home after an inspiring result in Europe on Wednesday to host Palermo at the Giuseppe Meazza. A victory and some help from other results will help lift the rossoneri into the top 4 of Serie A. Palermo are coming off of a big win in their last league match which saw them snap a dry spell.

The side managed by Carlo Ancelotti are currently in 5^th place of Serie A with 38 points for the season. This leaves them 3 points back of 4^th place Fiorentina and 2 ahead of 6^th place Udinese. This week has seen them play to two consecutive 0-0 draws. It started in domestic play away to Parma at the Ennio Tardini and continued against Arsenal at the Emirates in their midweek match. That draw against Arsenal extended their current streak to 3 straight draws. AC Milan have been playing superb defensive football of late having conceded just 1 goal over their last 6 matches between the domestic league and Europe. The good news this week is that Pato, who went down against Arsenal, is expected to be able to start. The injured list this week includes Dida, Nesta and Ronaldo so look for Kalac to sub in for Dida in goal and Jankulovski and Kaladzde to start on the left side of the back line.

Last week Palermo were able to hold off the challenge of last place Cagliari and secured a 2-1 win at home at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. The win helps snap a skid which had seen Palermo lose 3 of 4 matches. With the victory Francesco Guidolin’s club are now 8^th in the league table with 31 points and sit 3 back of 7^th place Sampdoria. They hold a slight 1 point edge over Atalanta. There are two confirmed absences for this match with Miccoli and Capuano having been ruled out. In the case of Capuano he will need to undergo surgery. Therefore, Uruguayan Edison Cavani will come into the attack and play alongside top scorer Amauri in a 3-5-2.

While AC Milan are at home and have been playing better there of late, Palermo have the advantage of not having played during the week and perhaps being a bit more refreshed. However, to have any chance they will need to hold Milan scoreless as they have shown they are very hard to break down. The problem is that only Cagliari have conceded more goals than Palermo’s 38 this season. Milan will find a way to win.

Prediction: AC Milan (1-0)