After a slow start to their 2012-13 Serie A campaign, where they picked up few points, AC Milan have since improved significantly and will be after their fourth win on the trot against a struggling Pescara outfit.
The Italian giants, who claimed a clear 3-0 victory over Reggina in the Coppa Italia midweek, have been in stunning form with important road victories over Torino, Catania and a boosting 1-0 win over reigning champions Juventus at the San Siro.
Milan, who lie in seventh position of the 20-team Italian First Division, know that if they manage to overcome a weak Pescara on Sunday they will move closer towards the teams that are fighting for both the Scudetto and a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.
Despite the fact that Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri won't be able to count with the services of a number of players who are out injured, including Alexandre Pato, Daniele Bonera and Nigel de Jong, he will fancy his teams chances of obtaining maximum points.
De Jong recently picked up a serious injury that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season, meaning that Milan will have to make a stand in the transfer market when it opens in January.
With Riccardo Montolivo back and available, he will take his place on the right side of midfield, while Antonio Nocerino will slot into the left, with Massimo Ambrosini taking charge in the middle.
Allegri, who is obviously delighted with his teams progress, has decided to field a three-man attack, which comprises of Robinho, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Stephan El Shaarawy, who continues to be the league's leading scorer with 13 goals.
Pescara, who are struggling in the relegation zone with just 14 points from 16 games, are unlikely to return home with much to cheer about from their visit to the San Siro. However, they recorded a crucial 2-0 victory over Genoa last weekend and will be looking to replicate that performance against Milan, no matter how difficult it may sound.
Coach Cristiano Bergodi has to reshuffle his side, as the likes of Uros Cosic, Manuele Blasi and Giuseppe Colucci will miss the game due to injury. According to reports the former Lazio defender will opt for a 4-3-1-2 tactical formation given the shortage of defensive players in his squad.
Milan's last four matches
Dec 13, 2012: Milan 3-0 Reggina (Coppa Italia)
Dec 9, 2012: Torino 2-4 Milan (Italian Serie A)
Dec 4, 2012: Milan 0-1 Zenit (UEFA Champions League)
Nov 30, 2012: Catania 1-3 Milan (Italian Serie A)
Pescara's last four matches
Dec 9, 2012: Pescara 2-0 Genoa (Italian Serie A)
Dec 5, 2012: Cagliari 4-2 Pescara (Coppa Italia)
Dec 2, 2012: Napoli 5-1 Pescara (Italian Serie A)
Nov 25, 2012: Pescara 0-1 Roma (Italian Serie A)
Facts
- The last time Milan failed to find the back of the net in the Serie A was back in early October, when they lost 1-0 against arch-rivals Inter Milan.
- Pescara have won only one out of seven road games this season, with that victory coming against Cagliari in late September.
Prediction
Milan 3-1 Pescara
