Milan will be looking for an extension of their lead at the top of the table as they take on the Rosanero, who are still reeling from their 4-1 defeat against Siena.
Palermo will host AC Milan at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in round 26 encounter of the 2011/12 season on Saturday, 03 March at 17:00 GMT.
Bortolo Mutti’s men were thrashed 4-1 by AC Siena in their previous league game. On the other hand, the Italian Champions played a controversial 1-1 draw against Juventus in their last league outing.
The return fixture of the ongoing season proved to be a one-sided affair, as Milan emerged comfortable winners by a 3-0 margin.
Palermo
The Aquile enjoy an exceptional home record, amassing an impressive 30 points at home this season. They have managed to win 10 of the 12 games played at the Renzo Barbera.
Besides their exceptional home record, Palermo have also been the most prolific goal-scorers while playing in their own conditions, netting 31 goals in front of the Sicilian crowd.
Their recent form has not been very impressive, having won just two of their last five league games. The Rosanero fans will be hoping for a more consistent streak of results in the upcoming matches.
AC Milan
The San Siro outfit have hit a good run of form and were enjoying a three-match unbeaten run, only for Juventus to disturb that record with a draw. The Rossoneri have been the most prolific scorers away from home this campaign, scoring 24 goals on their travels.
AC Milan are embroiled in a season long title race with the Old Lady, and would want to keep the pressure by maintaining their impressive run.
Team News
Palermo
The Rosanero have to contend with a few injuries and absentees in their squad. Defender, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Federico-Balzaretti-c13451, will serve the suspension after being shown a red-card against Siena. Matias Silvestre remains a long-term absentee for the host’s.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Igor-Budan-c16686 are expected to start upfront in a 4-4-2 formation.
Probable starting eleven: Viviano, Munoz, Migliaccio, Mantovani, Pisano, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barreto-c7308, Donati, Della Rocca, Bertolo, Miccoli, Budan.
AC Milan
Massimiliano Allegri will be glad to see his star striker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003 defender, Salvatore Aronica.
However, Philippe Mexes has been given a three-match ban due to his misdemeanour against Juventus last week.
Despite his star striker’s inclusion, there are still several injury concerns for the Italian Champions. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alberto-Aquilani-c4313 are also ruled out for the trip to Sicily.
Probable starting eleven: Abbiati, Abate, Bonera, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robinho-c31382
Players to Watch
Fabrizio Miccoli (Palermo)
The Rosanero skipper has been in scintillating form for the Eagles, scoring on countless occasions this season. The former Benfica star will need to turn on the style if his side is to have any chance of defeating the Rossoneri, who have been flying high in the Serie A and the UEFA Champions League this season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan)
The attacking threat of Milan will be carried on the big shoulders of the Swede, and they will be hoping that the striker comes back with vengeance for his suspension term. The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 striker has scored 15 league goals so far.
Prediction
The Aquile will be working hard for a win, and would like to push the Diavolo to the limit. However, the Rossoneri are seasoned campaigners with experienced stars, who know how to turn on the style at key moments. Milan are likely to stroll to a close fought win. Verdict: 1-2
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