Prediction: AC Milan vs Juventus

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmakers: Bet365

Two of Italy’s most successful clubs AC Milan and Juventus head into the high-profile clash on Saturday afternoon feeling pressured by their poor form and failed expectations, respectively. The history that runs between these two sides, however, promises a great game and a fantastic football battle despite the current form and shape.

AC Milan

The fallen giants of Serie A have invested a heavy load of money during summer but AC Milan have yet to see it pay off. Having spent more than €100 on eleven new players, Rossoneri were expected to be fighting for the Serie A title whereas in reality they disappointingly continue to linger outside the top six.

Five wins and four defeats after the opening ten rounds of domestic championship have seen AC Milan drop to eight place in the standings, nine points adrift of the Champions League spots and their comprehensive 4-1 win over Chievo during the week will have hardly erased the bitter taste of disappointment which preceded during their four-match winless run. Vincenzo Montella is feeling the heat at AC Milan helm and bemoaning how difficult it is to fit all the pieces together straight away is by no means going to help him save his job. Contemporary football demands instant results and the young tactician is running out of time. A win over reigning champions Juventus would definitely be a huge bargaining chip with the new owners who are already lining up his possible replacement with plenty of names currently in the mix.

Team News

Former Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci will not be facing his old side due to a two-match suspension but many think of it as a blessing in disguise given his week performances of late.

 Davide Calabria and Bonaventura will join Andea Conti in the treatment room, but Nikola Kalinic should be in line for a starting place.

Juventus

Unlike the past couple of seasons which saw Juventus dominate the league comfortably, Serie A is now turning into a competitive league once again. It’s a music to every real fan’s ears but not that much for Juventus themselves who are finding it extremely hard to make their footprint in the league early in the season.

Pitted against the in-form likes of Napoli, Lazio and Inter Milan, Juventus will need to be on top of their game until the end of the season if they are to join the pack in race for Scudetto. Currently in third place with a point behind Inter Milan and three behind Napoli, Bianconeri are cursing the 2-2 draw at Atalanta and that 2-1 defeat to Lazio back in October. Allegri’s men bounced back from consecutive set-backs with successive wins over Udinese and SPAL which saw them score ten goals as a perfect warm-up for the challenge ahead. Juventus have been accused of being stuck in second gear in their domestic exploits but the last two games appear to have them back to their best but the current form will be put to a great test as Juventus can’t afford to drop any more points – especially against direct rivals.

Team News

Stefano Sturaro and Claudio Marchisio are back in the squad whereas the game could be coming too early for Mehdi Benatia who is still recovering from his ankle injury.

Blaise Matuidi, Marko Pjaca and Benedikt Howedes are out of contention for the forthcoming clash.

Key Factors to Consider

• AC Milan spent over €100m on 11 new players this summer
• Rossoneri are 12 points behind leaders Napoli
• AC Milan only scored 16 goals in 10 games
• Juventus scored most goals in the league so far (31)
• Bianconeri bagged 10 goals in their last 2 matches

Conclusion

There will be plenty to play for when AC Milan and Juventus lock horns on Saturday. Out of form Italian giants are looking to strengthen their position and get back in the running for top places in the standings and with the stakes up to the roof we expect to see fireworks and goals at both ends.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmakers: Bet365