Match Preview :

This local derby between A.C Milan who are the joint leaders who will face Atalanta who are high flying and yet to be beaten on their home soil will be a very exciting clash to watch.

No doubt that Milan was the form team as they headed into the winter break after completing their comeback to catch Juventus and go level on points with them at the top. They had 9 wins and two draws in 11 games and that was an amazing achievement.

Milan went to Dubai on New Year's Day and beat Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly thanks to Alexandre Pato scoring the only goal of the match. With so much of news recently about Carlos Tevez there is the big danger that the team could lose its concentration ahead of this match.

The home side Atalanta ended 2011 unbeaten in their last seven games and their last match they beat Cesena 4-1. But they are still paying the price after the club was already docked six points in the summer over a betting scandal and former captain Cristiano Doni was arrested as part of the on-going police investigation. The midfielder confessed, stating he played a small role in the betting scandal. Their players and fans are wondering if the club will be deducted anymore points as the investigation continues.

For the record, in their last four visits to Bergamo, Milan have come away with two defeats, a draw and a 1-0 victory in October 2008. Their most recent meeting ended in a 1-1 draw in October 2009 despite Atalanta playing almost an hour with 10 men after Ivan Radovanovic’s red card.

Team News :

Atalanta Team News :
Matteo Brighi is an injury doubt, while Daniele Capelli is out for the season. A decision will be made whether Simone Bonaventura will get the nod in midfield ahead of Carlos Carmona prior to kickoff. Meanwhile, under-21 international Guido Marilungo pis battling with Maxi Moralez for the chance to partner Capocannoniere German Denis upfront.

A.C Milan Team News :
Allegri managed to get some of the injured players back to fitness with the likes of Philippe Mexes, Pippo Inzaghi and even Gennaro Gattuso got a run-out for the first time since he was diagnosed with an eye condition back in September.

However, Mario Yepes, Mathieu Flamini and Antonio Cassano are still long-term absentees, while Ignazio Abate is in doubt for this match. There will be a new face in midfield due to veteran Massimo Ambrosini’s ban.

Possible lineups

Atalanta : Consigli; Masiello, Ferri, Manfredini, Peluso; Schelotto, Cigarini, Padoin, Bonaventura; Marilungo; Denis

A.C Milan : Abbiati; Bonera, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Aquilani, Van Bommel, Nocerino; Boateng; Ibrahimovic, Robinho

Predictions :

Take Total Goals UNDER 2.5 as expect a low scoring affair here

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Atalanta 1-1 A.C Milan

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Main Bet:
Take Total Goals UNDER 2 1/4 as Atalanta will be eager to keep their good run intact.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Atalanta and accept the 3/4 Ball here.