AC Milan vs Genoa Preview

PROBABLE LINEUPS

AC MILAN AbbiatiBonera, Nesta, Yepes, Antonini, Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari  Emanuelson Ibrahimovic, El Shaarawy

GENOA Frey Mesto, Granqvist, Carvalho, Bovo Rossi, Veloso, Kucka, Sculli Ze Eduardo, Palacio

AC Milan had many walking-wounded during the 1-0 over Chievo, but the situation is less dire for coach Massimiliano Allegri for the clash at San Siro.

Goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has a foot problem, but is expected to feature nonetheless, while defender Daniele Bonera and midfielder Alberto Aquilani return from suspension with the former slotting in at right-back. However, veteran Massimo Ambrosini and centre-back Thiago Silva are sidelined due to injury.

Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel has recovered to play at the heart of midfield, but playmaker Kevin-Prince Boateng and striker Alexandre Pato are still not available. Thus, Stephan El Shaarawy looks set to partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front with Robinho, Antonio Cassano, and Maxi Lopez all options off the bench.

Genoa's situation seems to be getting worse by the week as the coaching reappointment of Alberto Malesani, following the sacking of Pasquale Marino, has done little to lift their form and they now sit just two points above the relegation zone.

Former Milan man Kakha Kaladze is injured along with midfielder Kevin Constant, while Fernando Belluschi and left-back Emiliano Moretti are both suspended.

Another ex-Rossonero, striker Alberto Gilardino, could find himself on the bench to start this one in favour of Ze Eduardo who could partner the club's top-scorer Rodrigo Palacio upfront.

DID YOU KNOW?

• AC Milan have lost just one of their last six matches against Genoa, a 1-0 reverse in May 2010.

• Star striker Ibrahimovic leads the Serie A scoring charts with 23 goals.

• Allegri's men have let in nine goals at home this season, less than any other Serie A team.

• Genoa have not won in their previous 10 matches, their last victory coming February 5 against Lazio.

• The Grifone have the worst defensive record in the top flight this season, having conceded 58 times.

• Gilardino has scored three goals in 11 appearances since his winter move from Fiorentina.

Head to Head

Italy - Serie A ‎(ITA1)‎	Dec 2, 2011	Genoa 0 - AC Milan 2
Italy - Serie A ‎(ITA1)‎	Feb 6, 2011	Genoa 1 - AC Milan 1
Italy - Serie A ‎(ITA1)‎	Sep 25, 2010	AC Milan 1 - Genoa 0
Italy - Serie A ‎(ITA1)‎	May 9, 2010	Genoa 1 - AC Milan 0
Italy - Serie A ‎(ITA1)‎	Jan 6, 2010	AC Milan 5 - Genoa 2

Last Five Matches

AC Milan
Apr 10, 2012	Chievo 0 - AC Milan 1	ITA1
Apr 7, 2012	AC Milan 1 - Fiorentina 2	ITA1
Apr 3, 2012	FC Barcelona 3 - AC Milan 1	UCL
Mar 31, 2012	Catania 1 - AC Milan 1	ITA1
Mar 28, 2012	AC Milan 0 - FC Barcelona 0	UCL

Genoa
Apr 11, 2012	Genoa 1 - Cesena 1	ITA1
Apr 7, 2012	Novara 1 - Genoa 1	ITA1
Apr 1, 2012	FC Internazionale 5 - Genoa 4	ITA1
Mar 25, 2012	Genoa 2 - Fiorentina 2	ITA1
Mar 19, 2012	Roma 1 - Genoa 0	ITA1

Players to Watch

Sulley Ali Muntari
POSITION:	Midfielder
SQUAD NUMBER:	11

GAMES	GOALS	YC	RC
8	2	5	0

The Ghana international has been a welcome boost to the midfield since arriving on loan from the Nerazzuri and was the hero on Tuesday as his vicious long range strike secured a 1-0 win at Chievo. His defensive and attacking contributions have given Allegri's side more bite in the centre of the pitch.

R. Palacio
POSITION:	Striker
SQUAD NUMBER:	8

GAMES	GOALS	YC	RC
27	17	6	0

The Argentine has been the only one able to consistently provide a threat for Malesani's side and despite the team's slump, still has three goals in his last four matches. If Genoa are to get a shock result, it is likely the former Boca Juniors star will be at the heart of the effort.

Prediction

Genoa nearly pulled off a shocking comeback on their last trip to San Siro, a 5-4 loss to Inter, but Milan do not have the defensive issues that have plagued their city rivals and Allegri's men should see off the visitors, despite their desperation to avoid relegation, with relative ease.