Saturday 29th October 2011, 5pm GMT
Milan make the trip to the capital on the back of three successive league wins, a run which has put an end to the defending champions’ rocky start to the season. Roma on the other hand have lost three of their first eight games, and new coach Luis Enrique will be feeling the pressure soon unless he can show some consistency.
Milan’s Philippe Mexes is likely to miss this game against his old team-mates having sustained an injury in training. Also injured for the visitors are Alexandre Pato, Gennaro Gattuso and Mathieu Flamini. Midfielder Clarence Seedorf is doubtful. Roma’s injury casualties are captain Francesco Totti and midfielder Miralem Pjanic. New signing Pjanic has been the driving force behind Roma’s attack so far this season, and he is likely to be missed by the home team.
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| Nocerino celebrates after putting three past Parma |
Recent games between these two sides have been tight affairs (they have managed only one goal between them in their last three meetings), but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a couple of goals tomorrow. Luis Enrique is trying to mould a Barcelona-esqe attacking side out of the Roma team, and Milan have scored eleven times in their last three games. In-form midfielder Antonio Nocerino, who scored a hat-trick for the Rossoneri in midweek against Parma, will start again tomorrow.
Overall I feel that the momentum is with Milan at the moment, while Roma are still finding their feet under Enrique. A cautious bet on an away win is my tip of the weekend in Serie A.
Prediction – AC Milan to win – 3pts
Match odds: Roma 7/4
Draw 21/10
AC Milan 8/5
Match odds: Roma 7/4
Draw 21/10
AC Milan 8/5
