AC Milan go into the Derby della Madonnina in excellent spirits hoping to extend the bright run of results that saw them climb to third in the overall standings.

Their arch rivals, on the other hand, are in all sorts of problems at the moment and they could really use a morale-boosting derby win.

It’s been a while since AC Milan were last in a position to fight for Champions League positions and the supporters must be delighted to see the team sitting in third place.

The Rossoneri have played excellent football for several weeks now, winning seven of last nine league fixtures, finally finding some much needed consistency.

The 3-0 loss to Genoa on the road is the only real setback since mid September, and if Vincenzo Montella’s charges continue the rich vein of form, they could even enter the title chase.

Securing Champions League qualification is, however, the main priority and AC Milan can make an important step by defeating local rivals Inter Milan.

The nominal hosts do face some selection problems as important defender Alessio Romagnoli is battling a muscle injury and he may be forced to make way for Gustavo Gomez.

Luca Antonelli is back in contention, but Davide Calabria, Riccardo Montolivo, Andrea Bertolacci and Leonel Vangioni remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Donnarumma – Abate, Paletta, Gomez, De Sciglio – Kucka, Locatelli, Bonaventura – Suso, Bacca, Niang.

Unlike their local rivals, who can see the light at the end of the tunnel, things are pretty dark at Inter Milan following yet another disappointing start to a season.

Summer recruit Frank de Boer has paid the price for some poor results, with former Lazio boss Stefano Pioli chosen to replace him.

The well-traveled tactician faces a baptism of fire in Derby della Madonnina, where his side are available at 2.80 (9/5) to emerge victorious.

The good news is that Pioli has all key men available, although he is expected to ring some changes to the starting XI.

Eder Martins and Ever Banega are among those expected to miss out, whereas Ivan Perisic and Gary Medel should return.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Palacio is rated doubtful, while Andrea Ranocchia and Stefan Radu are definitely out of contention.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Handanovic – Ansaldi, Miranda, Murillo, Santon – Mario, Medel, Brozovic – Candreva, Icardi, Perisic.