AS Roma vs AC Milan preview

April 24, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Roma vs MIlan 2-2There should be plenty of fireworks on Friday evening when two of Serie A’s in-form sides meet at Stadio Olimpico, with both AS Roma and AC Milan eager to extend their winning runs.

The whole of Europe has been impressed by Rudi Garcia and his charges this season, but in spite of some memorable showings, the Giallorossi look set to miss out on the league trophy.

With Juventus winning the league trophy after amassing 87 points last term, Roma will probably surpass the tally this season as they are already on 82, albeit eight points behind the Bianconeri.

Nevertheless, the mere fact Rudi Garcia’s men have won last seven league fixtures apeaks volumes about their new-found confidence, with 1.85 (17/20) paid on AC Milan to be the next to take the fall.

And with the Giallorossi scoring at least three goals in seven of last nine home matches, there may be value in backing the hosts to score three or more at 3.70 (27/10).

Star striker Mattia Destro continues to miss out through suspension, while Douglas Maicon should be fit to play despite doing some individual training this week.

Francesco Totti should start up front, but Mehdi Benatia, Kevin Strootman and Federico Balzaretti continue to miss out.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): De Sanctis – Maicon, Toloi, Castan, Dodo – Pjanic, De Rossi, Nainggolan – Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic.

While Clarence Seedorf had had a promising start to his first ever coaching job, the Dutch manager in turn experienced plenty of difficulties.

However, just as people were starting to wonder whether he was the right man to take AC Milan forward, the Rossoneri embarked on an excellent run of results that saw them return into contention for European positions.

The San Siro outfit have been in stunning form of late, winning last five league matches while conceding just one goal in the process.

And while they are still five points behind fifth-placed Inter, the Rossoneri will give their best to extend the run against Roma before they face their bitter rivals eight days later.

That is not going to be an easy task though, as witnessed by odds of 5.00 (4/1) offered at Coral on Milan to claim maximum points.

The visitors will have Keisuke Honda back from an ankle problem, but Nigel de Jong misses out through suspension. Stephan El Shaarawy, Michael Essien and Andrea Petagna are back in contention.

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

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