WITH the title on the line, tonight's battle in Milan will have an added spice – not that the bonkers San Siro faithful needed any encouragement.
Inter are back in good shape since the arrival of Leonardo, a surprise choice but one that's proved me wrong so far, and he's guided his side to within two points over their bitter city rivals.
The big difference in this one could be Zlatan Ibrahimovic – or the lack thereof. The big Swede has been in good form since returning to Italy, bagging 14 goals in 27 games, but he's serving a suspension for a petty elbow against Bari a few weeks ago.
Robinho (2-1, anytime Boylesports), Antonio Cassano (2-1, Bluesquare) and Alexandre Pato (15-8, bet365) will need to step up to the plate and they have it between them to make up for Ibrahimovic's loss but it could effect Milan's approach and they'll miss a strong physical presence up top. They lost their first game of Ibrahimovic's two-game suspension against Palermo, so it could be a concern.
In midfield, Inter can thank the superb form of flying Dutchman Welsey Sneijder (11-4, bet365) for their upturn and there's no doubting his class and clever passing will play a big part in how effective the men in black and blue are. Holland team-mate Mark van Bommel has looked fresher since pulling on a Milan shirt and he'll be out to slow the game down and keep midfield as congested as possible. His biggest problem is a hot temper and with so much at stake, he's got a good chance of seeing red in this one Paddy Power's 6-4 on a sending off covers this.
In the last five encounters between the sides, the team that opened the score always came out winners and a similar scenario could very well be on the cards this weekend. Earlier this season, that man Ibrahimovic helped the Rossoneri to the full three points with an early goal.
I'm going with Inter on this one. I just think there's a bit of steel back in their bones and remnants of that Mourinho machine are beginning to show (17-10, Bluesquare). Samuel Eto'o is always a pick for me upfront. I'll go with him to net at 9-5, Paddy Power. Betfred are offering a double on him to score and Inter to win at 5-1.
Recommendations:
- Inter to win (17-10, Bluesquare)
- Red card to be shown (6-4, Paddy Power)
