Even with 19 points separating the two sides in the overall standings, chances are we will see a highly entertaining encounter when Milan and Roma square off at San Siro.

The Rossoneri are hoping to pull off another great escape and revive their top 3 bid following a dismal start to the season, and they do appear to be on a downtrend at the moment.

Max Allegri’s side are currently on a six-match unbeaten run, although they will have to start a new winning streak if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Back to back triumphs over Celtic and Catania were followed by draws against Livorno and Ajax, but while the Rossoneri squeezed into the Champions League knockout stages, they still remain 14 points adrift of top 3 positions.

This is enough to suggest that only a victory over high-flying Roma will do, with Milan 2.38 (11/8) favourites to claim maximum points.

Max Allegri has suffered a new blow as Stephan El Shaarawy picked up a foot injury that will see him miss next couple weeks of action, but he is hoping to have Ignazio Abate available for selection.

Meanwhile, Marco Amelia, Valter Birsa, Matias Silvestre and Robinho continue to miss out through various ailments.

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

Roma surprised everyone by winning their first ten league games in the new campaign, but it remains to be seen whether the team will be able to mount a serious title challenge.

Four straight draws that followed allowed reigning champions Juventus to create a three-point advantage at the top, but it appears the Giallorossi are not prepared to give up just yet.

Roma returned to winning ways at just the right time, having made a giant step towards a top 3 finish by defeating very good Fiorentina side last weekend.

They now face another high-profile encounter against a potential rival for Champions League places, and the Giallorossi look a good bet at 3.40 (12/5).

The most important thing is that captain Francesco Totti is back in the side, with the veteran forward 3.55 (31/20) to mark his return with a goal.

However, Miralem Pjanic misses out through suspension, whilst Federico Balzaretti and Marco Borriello are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): De Sanctis – Maicon, Benatia, Castan, Dodo – Bradley, De Rossi, Strootman – Florenzi, Totti, Gervinho.