Prediction: AC Milan vs AS Roma

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: William Hill

AC Milan needs to secure the three points against AS Roma if they want to keep their European dreams alive for next season. However, Roma also have a lot to play for this Sunday. They need to win if they want to have a shot at winning the league title for, at least, another week.

AC Milan

There is no question AC Milan have their backs against the wall. With only four games left on the Serie A schedule, Vincenzo Montella’s men sit five points behind Atalanta for the final berth to the UEFA Europa League. As a result, this Sunday contest against AS Roma is a must-win for them. Milan have pretty decent at home, though, registering 11W, 2D and 4L during the current Serie A campaign. In order to escape with the three points, however, they must improve on their recent form because they only have one win in their last five league matches. If they don’t get the three points in this match, they can start saying goodbye to Europe for the 2017-18 season.

Team News

Juraj Kucka is suspended after being sent off last week. Luca Antonelli still has a few weeks left in his recovery before returning to training. Gerard Deulofeu and Leonel Vangioni are doubtful, and both will require a late-fitness test to determine their availability ahead of this contest.

Alessio Romagnoli, Ignazio Abate, and Giacomo Bonaventura are back in training though, and they might return to the starting XI following their respective absences.

AS Roma

As stated before, Roma also need the three points in this contest. If Juventus defeat Torino this Saturday, then Luciano Spalletti’s men will be obliged to win if they want to extend their title chances for another week, and any other result would eliminate them from the Scudetto race. However, recent results should give Roma fans a bit of hope. Not only they have not lost in their past three meetings against AC Milan. They also have one of the best attacks in the Serie A, and one of the best defences as well. To make things even better, they have the top scorer in the league in Edin Dzeko (25 goals), and have won four of the last Serie A contests.

Team News

Antonio Rudiger and Kevin Strootman are suspended, and Alessandro Florenzi will miss the remainder of the season so there is no question the team will be a bit weakened on the defensive end.

Federico Fazio is doubtful due to a muscular problem, and he will need a late-fitness test to determine whether he can start or not.

Key Factors to Consider

• AS Roma have won their last five away matches in Serie A. They have scored at least three goals in their last four games away from Stadio Olimpico.
• AS Roma are riding a three-game undefeated streak against AC Milan, and only have one loss in their last six meetings.
• AC Milan’s last win against AS Roma came on May 9, 2015, when they won 2-1 at home.
• Roma are ranked as the second-best attack in Serie A (75 goals).
• Both clubs are among the top-five defences in Serie A when it comes to goals conceded.

Conclusion

Both teams need the three points. However, Roma have been better of late, and they possess enough weapons to complicate Milan defensively. It is going to be a tough contest, but the visitors should come away with the three points.

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: William Hill