AC Milan v Inter Milan – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

AC Milan host Inter Milan at the San Siro on Monday. The Nerazzurri can confirm themselves as league champions with a win in the Derby della Madonnina. Inter have lost once all season in the league and have won the last five meetings vs the Rossoneri.

AC Milan Form

Milan are winless in three matches having been on a long winning streak before that. Two losses in February were followed by seven successive victories (in all competitions). After three away wins in a row, they beat Lecce 3-0 at home with ten men.

The last couple of weeks have seen three winless matches. A 1-0 home loss to AS Roma in the Europa League was followed by a 3-3 draw at Sassuolo having trailed 3-1. On Thursday, Milan lost 2-1 at Roma in the second leg despite having played 54 minutes vs ten men and outshooting their opponents 20-6.

AC Milan Team News

Stefano Pioli is without Malick Thiaw in defence due to suspension. Pierre Kalulu is ruled out in defence with an injury. Simon Kjaer is doubtful at the back too.

The team could be freshened up after this poor run. Samuel Chukwueze should play down the right flank and Tijjani Reijnders may come into the midfield.

AC Milan Motivation

Milan are six points clear of third spot and will want to end in the top two. They will take the game to Inter Milan.

The motivation for this match to stop Inter winning the title for another week will be high. A draw would achieve that.

Inter Milan Form

Inter have lost just once in their last 20 matches. They went on a sensational 13-match winning streak which included lifting the Italian Super Cup and wins against teams like Juventus and Roma in Serie A. That run also saw a dominant 1-0 win vs Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16 first leg.

The second leg saw a 2-1 loss in Madrid and a subsequent elimination on penalties. The last four fixtures in the league have seen two wins and two wins. A 1-1 home draw vs Napoli was followed by a 2-0 win vs Empoli and a 2-1 win at Udinese in the 95th minute. Last Sunday saw a surprise 2-2 home draw against Cagliari.

Inter Milan Team News

Inter have a clean bill of health for this match. Juan Cuadrado is back from a long injury to give options down the right. Matteo Darmian is set to play right wingback ahead of Cuadrado and Denzel Dumfries.

Alexis Sanchez and Yann Bisseck are set to be benched in attack and in defence respectively. Captain Lautaro Martinez and defender Benjamin Pavard are back from suspensions to start in those positions.

Inter Milan Motivation

Simone Inzaghi’s side can lift the title at the San Siro with a win in this fixture. They will go all out to do it.

A draw would delay the celebrations for at least a week and Inter won’t settle for a point here.

Key Stats

AC Milan have won 7 of their last 10 matches (7 wins, then LDL)

AC Milan have lost their last 5 matches vs Inter Milan

Inter Milan have won 12 of their last 14 Serie A matches (2 draws)

Inter Milan have lost 1 of their last 35 matches

Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez has 26 goals this season (no goals in his last 5)

Verdict

Based on Inter tending to win this fixture and their better form of late, they should take the three points. Lautaro Martinez is due a goal and the away side have 19 clean sheets in the league this season.

Best Bet: Inter Milan win at 2.00
Value Bet: Inter Milan win to zero at 3.90
Goalscorer Tip: Lautaro Martinez to score anytime at 2.30

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis