AC Milan vs. Inter Milan: 10 Bold Predictions for Derby Showdown

A massive showdown awaits calcio fanatics on Sunday as a resurgent Inter take on league leaders Milan in the Derby della Madonnina. 

Claudio Ranieri is leading the revival as he has guided the Nerazzurri to a five victories on the spin.

While their rivals have been concentrating on the football, the Rossoneri have been tangled up in transfer dealings.

As I write, Alexandre Pato has spurned the opportunity to join former manager Carlo Ancelotti at PSG to remain at Milan, while Carlos Tevez's protracted move to the Rossoneri is supposedly dead in the water.

Of course we have not heard the last of these stories, but for the time being a fascinating derby awaits, with Inter needing the win to stand any hope of winning the scudetto as they're eight points off top spot.

Here are 10 bold predictions for Sunday's main event at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

AC Milan: Allegri Will Choose Robinho as Zlatan's Partner

The biggest dilemma facing Massimiliano Allegri before Sunday's showdown is who will he partner in attack with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

I tend to believe that he will favour Robinho ahead of Alexandre Pato, despite the latter remaining loyal resisting the riches of PSG this week, the reason being that Ibrahimovic enjoys playing with the former Santos star more so than the ex-Internacional star.

Inter Milan: Ranieri Will Switch to a 4-4-1-1 to Accomodate Sneijder

Wesley Sneijder is set to return to the starting lineup after a stretch on the sidelines with injury.

The Dutch international is a good problem as such, as Claudio Ranieri will not complain about a world-class player suddenly being at his disposal. On the other hand, he will need to fit him in without wrecking the equilibrium that has gradually been built over this wonderful run.

The compromise should be to drop Giampaolo Pazzini in place of Sneijder, who will play just behind Diego Milito, who is experiencing a renaissance of such.

This is Sneijder's favoured position that should bring out the best of him, something Ranieri must strive to do in order to take the Nerazzurri back towards the top of the league.

AC Milan: Alexandre Pato to Come on as a Substitute and Score

Alexandre Pato shunned a £30-million move to PSG and wants to become a legend with the Rossoneri after being overcome with the hunger to dominate now that they've claimed trophies under Max Allegri.

I predict Pato will have to prove his point off the bench though, as his paltry three-goal return this season has not been up to the standard required.

But Pato is a big-game player, and his pace could expose a lethargic Inter defence late in the game.

With the week he has had, the script is written for the Duck to score in the Derby. 

Inter Milan: Ricardo Alvarez to Adopt Left Midfield Role

Ricardo Alvarez should shift to the left of midfield in order to accommodate Wesley Sneijder in a central role while maintaining some width to the side.

The tricky Argentine has flourished throughout the season despite Inter's troubles, and can make a valid contribution out wide.

He will have the chance to challenge Ignazio Abate who is thought to be returning from injury after a month without a game played.

I believe the former Velez Sarsfield fantasista can conjure up some magic along with Sneijder, in order to see Diego Milito continue to score.

Inter Milan: Ranieri Will Take a Gamble by Leaving out Ranocchia

I predict Claudio Ranieri will be bold enough to trust his experienced centre-backs, Lucio and Walter Samuel, ahead of the younger, quicker Andrea Ranocchia.

With Milan able to boast an array of pacey forwards, it will be a risk not to include the former Genoa stopper, but Ranieri will feel any major change to the system will stifle their momentum from recent weeks.

AC Milan: Whoever Allegri Chooses at Left-Back Will Get Beaten Multiple Times

Left-back is  problem position for the Rossoneri.

There are numerous options open to Max Allegri, such as Taye Taiwo, Gianluca Zambrotta or Luca Antonini.

None of the above have been convincing, and I fully expect one of those three to start and then be exposed by overlapping runs from Javier Zanetti and Maicon.

An option, who is yet to be tried, could be Urby Emanuelson, but the Dutchman is now seen as a central midfielder or trequartista—in the loosest sense of the word.

Inter Milan: Maicon Will Assist or Score

Leading on from the previous prediction, I believe Maicon will be primarily the one to reap the rewards that Milan's left-back will so generously hand out throughout the game.

I fail to see whoever Allegri chooses tracking a Maicon run from deep, and I can see the Brazilian scoring or driving a cross for a simple Diego Milito tap in.

AC Milan: Yet Another Penalty for the Rossoneri

AC Milan have been handed seven penalties this season, all dispatched superbly by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

That includes five in the last six games for the Rossoneri.

Another reason Max Allegri might feel Robinho is best suited to partnering Ibrahimovic is due to both players enjoying short passes in and around the penalty area and drawing the fouls.

I expect Robinho especially to draw several penalty appeals during the derby and one of them to be given for Zlatan to dispatch.

Inter Milan: Red Card for One Nerazzurro

I expect Inter will need to utilise a high press in order to stifle Milan's controlled build-up and possession.

This can and will be effective against the likes of Mark van Bommel and Massimo Ambrosini, but it will be a danger to their disciplinary.

I think as the high press is eventually picked off by Milan, players like Esteban Cambiasso, Yuto Nagatomo and the central defenders will become prone to forced fouls and risk seeing red.

AC Milan: Three Points for the Rossoneri to Maintain Lead in Scudetto Chase

I expect Milan to claim all three points and take a big stride towards defending their scudetto no matter what Juventus to this weekend.

Psychologically, if the Bianconeri witness a supreme performance and victory by Milan, then the nerves will kick it as the fixtures begin to come thick and fast.

Inter have been a joy to watch of late as the rebounded from an atrocious start to the season, but I find it difficult to see them controlling the game for long enough with a man light in central midfield.

Antonio Nocerino's legs will be vital to chase as Massimo Ambrosini and Mark Van Bommel should screen the back four.

This is a great balance for Kevin Prince Boateng and Ignazio Abate, fitness providing, to operate in dangerous areas that Inter will struggle to track.

Therefore I see a 2-1 victory for the Rossoneri.

Follow me on Twitter @jackalexandros and @FRcalcioJack.