Title contenders AS Roma need to continue the rich vein of form if they are to stay close to leaders Juventus, although the game against revived AC Milan will be a real test for the hosts.

The Rossoneri revived their top 3 ambitions by defeating Napoli, but they need another positive result if they are to leave on the winter break in good spirits.

Despite being placed in the toughest Champions League group, AS Roma had a good chance to make it to the knockout stages, but they were somewhat unfortunate to be eliminated by Manchester City.

However, this could prove a blessing in disguise as the Giallorossi will now be able to fully focus on their league campaign, where they are vying holders Juventus for the Serie A title.

Roma have done really well so far to keep up with the reigning champions, with the narrow yet deserved away win over high-flying Genoa seeing them close the gap to just one point.

But, with Juventus already winning their weekend fixture, the Giallorossi are 1.80 (4/5) to see off Milan and stay at the same distance.

There are some selection problems Rudi Garcia is forced to contend with, seeing as the likes of Miralem Pjanic, Davide Astori and Jose Holebas are all banned.

Meanwhile, Federico Balzaretti, Leandro Castan, Salih Ucan and Lukasz Skorupski are all out injured, but the Giallorossi have some very good replacements for the absentees.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): De Sanctis – Maicon, Yanga-Mbiwa, Manolas, Torosidis – Nainggolan, De Rossi, Keita – Ljajic, Totti, Gervinho.

AC Milan have yet to return where they belong and mount a serious title challenge, although it is fair to say the San Siro outfit would be delighted with a top 3 finish this term.

Despite the lack of a proven goalscorer in the side, the Rossoneri have done fairly well under new boss Pippo Inzaghi, and they now sit three points behind third-placed Napoli, albeit with a game in hand.

It was the last week’s fixture against the Azzurri that hinted this might just prove to be a successful season for Milan, with a 2-0 triumph serving as a major confidence boost.

The Rossoneri will now have a perfect test to their top 3 credentials as they face title contenders Roma on the road, and they are 5.00 (4/1) to pass it with flying colours.

Summer recruit Jeremy Menez has revelled in a false nine role, bagging 8 goals in 15 outings, and he will continue to lead the line until Milan sign a new centre forward.

Pippo Inzaghi faces a genuine defensive headache given that Alex, Mattia De Sciglio, Ignazio Abate and Adil Rami are all out injured, as is midfielder Marco van Ginkel.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Lopez – Bonera, Mexes, Zapata, Armero – Montolivo, de Jong, Poli – Honda, Menez, Bonaventura.