Inter Milan and AC Milan both enter Derby della Madonnina in poor spirits, but the high-profile derby game is a perfect opportunity for one of the sides to kick-start their season.

The Nerazzurri have so far done better than their local rivals, having climbed to fifth in the Serie A standings, but their latest performances have been way below the required standard.

Inter failed to take advantage of Napoli’s slip-ups and they remained seven points behind their top three rivals having picked up just three points from last four league fixtures.

The 4-2 defeat at Stadio San Paolo last weekend was only their second loss of the campaign, but it created all sorts of problems ahead of the Milan derby.

And with the hosts low on confidence at the moment, I am not convinced there is value in odds of 2.75 (7/4) offered on home win.

The Nerazzurri will be heavily relying on top scorer Rodrigo Palacio on Sunday evening, with the Argentine 3.05 (41/20) to score anytime.

Ricky Alvarez misses out through suspension, whereas Diego Milito, Cristian Chivu and McDonald Mariga remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-1-1): Handanovic – Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus – Jonathan, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Taider, Nagatomo – Guarin – Palacio.

AC Milan are still attempting to return to the right track following a dismal start to the season, but things are not exactly going as planned.

The Rossoneri have shown some improvement of late and they are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run, but they need to start winning soon or else this season will turn into an utter disappointment.

And while the team have somehow made it to the Champions League knockout stages, they are still 16 points behind top 3 positions in Serie A, meaning Milan have no choice but to go for a win against local rivals Inter.

Even if selection problems continue to mount, the Rossoneri do look closer to winning this game, with away win available at 2.75 (7/4).

Ignazio Abate and Urby Emanuelson are both injury doubts, but captain Riccardo Montolivo is out through suspension.

Meanwhile, Marco Amelia, Stephan El Shaarawy, Valter Birsa, Matias Silvestre and Robinho are not yet ready to return into action.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Abbiati – De Sciglio, Zapata, Bonera, Constant – Poli, De Jong, Muntari – Kaka – Balotelli, Matri.