AC Milan vs. Inter Milan Preview: Predicting the Starting Lineups at San Siro

The Milan derby is one of the most awaited encounters in world football, and both teams display great attitude in the game. Inter Milan and AC Milan share a great rivalry; the proud teams hate to lose a derby game, and a victory gives a huge boost to either side.

This is one of the most important games of the season for both clubs, and it could give them a huge lift for the second half of the season.

Inter Milan had a very poor start to their season, but they have certainly recaptured their form under Claudio Ranieri and are currently fifth in the table, only eight points behind the leaders Milan.

It was inconceivable that Inter would be so close to their rivals two months back, but the players and the manager have done immensely well. If they do beat AC Milan, they could close the gap to five points and probably will believe they can even overtake their rivals.

AC Milan had a slow start to their season but have managed to find their consistency and form in recent weeks and are currently tied on points with Juventus. Milan have a very strong team; they will be confident of winning against Inter Milan and also retaining their Serie A title.

This could be a very tricky season, and anything could happen yet in this title race.

This Milan derby is very important for both teams and is bound to be both entertaining and exciting. Here are the probable starting lineups for the two sides.

AC Milan Goalkeeper

AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati is one of the safest keepers in the Serie A, and he provides a lot of stability for the club.

He communicates a lot with his defenders, and having experienced and excellent players like Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva helps him as well.

Abbiati is very experienced and will need to be at his best against Inter Milan in this important derby encounter.

Inter Milan Goalkeeper

Inter Milan have had a lot of success in the last six years, and Julio Cesar has been integral to their success.

The Brazilian international is one of the best keepers in the world, and he was also a key player in their treble-winning 2009-10 season.

He has to be at his best for Inter Milan this season because it is very important for them to continue their good form until the end of the season.

Victory against their fierce rivals would give them a huge boost, and Cesar will undoubtedly be severely tested against Milan, who will certainly create chances.

AC Milan Defense

Under manager Massimiliano Allegri, Milan's defense has been quite solid, and it has been one of the main reasons why they have been successful under him.

Despite being quite old, Alessando Nesta continues to prove his worth to the team. Nesta's intelligence and understanding helps him cope with his lack of pace, and he is also a commanding presence at the back.

The impressive Thiago Silva is expected to play alongside him, and the Brazilian is one of the world's best defenders. Silva is one of the most important players for his side, and Milan will hope that he retains his fitness and form because he is a key player for their title challenge.

Ignazio Abate has had his critics in the past, but he has adjusted well under Allegri and is an important player for Milan. Abate does have the pace and the work rate to be solid in defense while also providing good support to attack from his fullback position.

The other fullback position is one position which will be quite hard to predict considering that it is one of their more problematic areas. Gianluca Zambrotta is vastly experienced and could be given a start for this very important game, while there is also a possibility that Taye Taiwo will start.

Inter Milan Defense

Inter Milan did not have a good start to their season, and injuries also played their part early in the season.

However, since Walter Samuel has regained his fitness, his partnership with Lucio has been integral in their revival under Claudio Ranieri. The defensive partnership of Lucio and Samuel under Mourinho was one of the main reasons they won the treble.

With both Lucio and Samuel in defense, they have looked solid, and they are likely to be the centre backs for the game against AC Milan.

Maicon is one of the best right backs in the world, and though he had a dip in form in the previous season, he still remains an important player for Inter Milan. His marauding runs along the right flank provide Inter an excellent option, and he is also solid at the back.

Yuto Nagatomo has to be considered as one of the best signings for Inter in the last two years. He has adjusted really well at Inter Milan and can be considered as a regular.

AC Milan Midfield

AC Milan have a strong midfield this season, and new additions like Alberto Aquilani have only strengthened their midfield.

Their midfield might not be the most dynamic in the world, but they have some of the most intelligent players and have plenty of experience in dealing with the difficulties they are likely to experience in such a big encounter.

Kevin-Prince Boateng is one of the most important players, and if fit, he is certain to start considering his recent form.

Nocerino has also been consistent and is likely to start for this game against Inter Milan. He has provided goals from midfield and has the ability to be at the right place at the right time which is important.

With Alberto Aquilani injured, Clarence Seedorf is likely to start as well, and his experience will be useful for the team. As he showed against Barcelona in the Champions League, he still has the ability to prove his worth against the top sides.

Mark van Bommel could be a surprise starter in the AC Milan because of his hard-tackling style, and he could be useful in such games.

Inter Milan Midfield

Wesley Sneijder could be in the frame to start the game for Inter Milan in this important game, and though Ranieri's team has enjoyed success in recent games even without the Dutchman (who was injured), Sneijder will certainly add more quality to the team.

The experienced Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti are very likely to start for the Italian club.

Though Ricardo Alvarez had a rather slow start to his Inter Milan career, he has started to settle well at the club and has been excellent in some of the more recent games. He has superb technique and creativity and will only continue to improve as he adjusts to European football.

He is likely to play on the wings for Inter. Thiago Motta could bring solidity to their midfield and is also likely to get the nod to start.

AC Milan Strikers

Since signing from FC Barcelona in 2010, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been excellent for Milan and has been prolific for the club. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, and at present, he is the main striker for Milan.

Ibrahimovic's presence on the pitch is always a threat for defenders considering that he is very hard to mark. 

Milan have several excellent forwards in their squad, and Robinho is likely to start with Alexander Pato on the bench.

Though Robinho might miss opportunities, he has formed a good partnership with Ibrahimovic, and Allegri will hope that they both come good against Inter.

Inter Milan Striker

Inter Milan could go with a lone striker for this game, with Diego Milito getting the nod ahead of Pazzini, who will be on the bench if not starting.

Milito had his best season under Mourinho, and though he had a dip in form, he has again recaptured his form for Inter Milan and could be a crucial player for them as they look to achieve a Champions League place at the minimum.

Probable Lineups and Prediction

AC Milan (4-3-1-2)

Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Silva, Zambrotta; Seedorf, Nocerino, Van Bommel, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Robinho, Ibrahimovic

Inter Milan (4-4-1-1)

Cesar; Maicon, Samuel, Lucio, Nagatomo; Alvarez, Motta, Cambiasso, Zanetti; Sneijder; Milito

Prediction: AC Milan 1-1 Inter Milan