Genoa continued their fall down the Serie A standings, having lost to Fiorentina last weekend and they have to try and get something from this match or risk dropping into the danger zone. Milan remained well clear of the title rivals despite sharing spoils with Lazio, but the Rossoneri are now hoping to return to winning ways.

Genoa in big problems

After narrowly missing out on the Champions League place two years ago, Genoa have only gone from bad to worse and they are now even in danger of entering the relegation struggle. Boss Gianpiero Gasperini paid the price for the disappointing results at the start of the season, but his successor Davide Ballardini wasn’t able to stabilize team’s form and Genoa are now much closer to the relegation zone than the European places. The Rossoblu couldn’t build on their home victory over Parma as they lost to Fiorentina next weekend, so this game clearly comes at a bad time for them. Genoa changed a big portion of the squad in January but we cannot really say they are stronger than before the transfer window started, so they face a very tough task against leaders Milan.

Calamitous keeper Eduardo is set to continue in goal, but Luca Antonelli and Mauro Boselli remain sidelined. Konko and Kucka should start after shaking off minor knocks.

Injury-plagued Milan keep on going

This has been a real breakthrough season for Milan as it’s been a while since the Rossoneri were last fighting for the Serie A title and what is really impressive is that Maxi Allegri’s side have been very convincing despite having almost half of the squad on the sidelines. The club management did a great job in the January transfer window as they signed three excellent players at a cut-back price, thus compensating for the numerous injuries to the playing squad. The Rossoneri have been really impressive on the travels this term, having won 9 out of last 11 away games, so they definitely look like a good bet against out-of-form Genoa.

Thiago Silva and Mario Yepes will form the centre-back partnership after both Danielle Bonera and Nicolo Legrottaglie picked up injuries against Lazio, while Genaro Gattuso is again available for selection. Pato remains an injury doubt, while Abate, Seedorf, Strasser, Ambrosini, Nesta, Zambrotta, Amelia, Boateng and Inzaghi are definitely out.

Verdict

Genoa are largely struggling this season and they look even weaker than before the transfer window started, unlike Milan, who play really well at the moment. With the Rossoneri thoroughly impressive on the travels, I am prepared to back them to take all three points from Marassi.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.05 (21/20)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power