Cagliari are eager to try and finish the first part of the league campaign on a high after losing to Chievo at the weekend, but the hosts are likely to face a tough task against in-form Milan.

The Serie A reigning champions recorded a hard-fought victory over Siena to continue their good run of results and now want another three points in order to put extra pressure on leaders Juventus.

Season after season Cagliari are predicted a tough relegation fight, but they always find a way to ensure survival at least few weeks before the end of the season, and this time it’s no different.

Davide Ballardini’s side enjoyed a bright start to the season, winning three of their first five games, but they have since won just one Serie A game, having beaten Catania at Massimino.

The Rossoblu appear to be struggling for form at the moment, so there are no doubts they will welcome the winter break, but before that they have to try and get something from the Milan game.

Key midfielder Andrea Cossu returns from suspension, but now Davide Biondini is suspended. Davide Astori, Daniele Conti, Sebastian Eriksson and Nene remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Agazzi – Pisano, Canini, Ariaudo, Agostini – Ekdal, Nainggolan, Cossu – Ceppelini – Ibarbo, Larrivey.

Even if it looked as though Milan might not be able to defend the Serie A title following the poor start to the season, Rossoneri managed to return to the right track and now sit just two points behind leaders Juventus.

The derby defeat to Juventus appears to have served as a real wake-up call for Maxi Allegri’s side, as Milan have been pretty impressive ever since.

After losing their first two away games this season, the Rossoneri have shown a big improvement in their form on the travels, winning three and drawing two of their next five away games.

Milan did fail to win their last away game as they were held to 2:2 draw by Bologna, but they are now 1.57 (4/7) with Paddy Power to claim maximum points.

First choice keeper Christian Abbiati should return after recovering from injury, but Luca Antonini and Ignazio Abate remain injury doubts. Mario Yepes, Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Mathieu Flamini and Antonio Cassano remain long-term casualties.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Abbiati – Abate, Thiago Silva, Mexes, Antonini – Seedorf, Van Bommel, Nocerino – Boateng – Ibrahimovic, Robinho.