Livorno vs AC Milan

Livorno return to the Armando Phichi to face a stern test at home to AC Milan in their week 35 contest in Serie A. The two clubs are coming off of positive results in the last round as Livorno were able to hold out for a point away from home while AC Milan held serve at home with a lop-sided result.

Livorno were able to hold out for a draw from their most important match away to AS Roma. Roma had everything to play for in that contest as they needed to win to keep pace with Inter Milan and Livorno certainly put a dent in those hopes and plans by earning a point. At this time Livorno are in the relegation zone with 30 points, in 18^th place of the log, 1 point behind 17^th place Parma which is the club they need to catch to avoid the drop. The side managed by Camolese have 30 points and sit just ahead of Empoli and Reggina on goal difference. This week Camolese will be without Vidigal and Volpe because of injury and looks likely to go with a 4-4-1-1 featuring Tavano as the lone striker with Diamanti just behind him.

AC Milan scored a big triumph at home at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in the last round thanks to a 5-1 win over relegation battlers Reggina. With their victory the side managed by Carlo Ancelotti remain in 5^th place of Serie A with 55 points, 4 behind 4^th place Fiorentina for a spot in the Champions League and just ahead of 6^th place Sampdoria on goal difference. The emphatic nature of their win did little to wipe away the bitter taste of the club’s defeat against Juve in their derby match one week earlier but at least it keeps their faint hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive. On the injury front, the rossoneri will continue to be without Ronaldo, Paolo Maldini and Dida. The rossoneri look set to go with a 4-3-2-1 featuring Kalac in goal with Pato as the lone striker and Seedorf and Kaka’ playing just behind him.

This could pretty much be Livorno’s last stand in their race to avoid relegation. A loss at home to Milan could conceivable see them fall into last place of the league table with just 3 games left. Expect Livorno to play as tough a match as they can against an AC Milan outfit who have actually won more matches away from home this season. A draw could be Livorno’s best bet.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)