High-flying Malaga can all but secure their place in the knockout stages by beating Milan, a team that are in huge problems following the dismal start to the season.

Los Boquerones had done well to ensure Champions League qualification through league finish, but many believed the team would fail to make it to the group stages after several important players left the club because of the poor financial situation.

However, Malaga not only eliminated Panathinaikos in the play-off stage, but also went on to record 3-0 wins over Zenit and Anderlecht in the group stages, this staking their claim for the first place in the group.

The hosts are now well aware they can virtually ensure their place in the next stage with three points against Milan, so bear in mind Paddy Power pays 2.10 (11/10) on home win.

Narrow victory over Valladolid, their fourth successive at home, gave the team an additional boost before the all-important clash against the Rossoneri, while the packed La Rosaleda should further motivate Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

The Chilean coach will welcome back centre-back Weligton to the side, but full-back Nacho Monreal remains doubtful.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Caballero – Gamez, Demichelis, Weligton, Eliseu – Camacho, Iturra – Joaquin, Isco, Portillo – Saviola.

AC Milan are going through a very rough patch at the moment, with coach Max Allegri under intense pressure following derby defeats to Inter and Lazio.

While the Rossoneri have had their worst start to a league campaign in last 60 years, they managed to show some improvement in Europe, beating Zenit away following the opening goalless draw against Anderlecht.

This basically means that Milan can make a big step towards the next round even with one point from La Rosaleda, with draw paying 3.40 (12/5) at Sportingbet.

Kevin-Prince Boateng is set to be dropped in favour of Ricardo Montolivo, while Christian Abbiati should return after recovering from injury.

Alexandre Pato is likely to be given his first start after quite a while, but Robinho remains sidelined and Massimo Ambrosini is back from a domestic ban.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Abbiati – De Sciglio, Mexes, Bonera, Antonini – Ambrosini, De Jong – El Shaarawy, Montolivo, Emanuelson – Pato.