Beckham looks forward to Sunday’s Milan Derby – Betting Close on Big Clash

It could be said that David Beckham has inspired AC Milan since his arrival back at the San Siro on loan from LA Galaxy. Since Becks rejoined the Rossoneri, they have romped to three very convincing victories, their last one being a cool 3-0 win over Juventus. Now Sunday looks forward to a massive Milan derby at the San Siro, which could have a major impact on the outcome of the league. The “Special One” Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan have been leading the way at the top of Serie A for most of the season, but are now starting to feel a little bit of heat under their collar.

After a poor, sluggish start to the season, AC Milan have turned their season around under manager Leonardo’s guidance. Now they sit just six points behind their fierce rivals, but have a game in hand over the leaders. This places enormous importance on the Milan derby on Sunday, as a win for AC would make Inter sweat even more. A win would really tie things up closely at the top, but they can ill afford to let Inter draw nine points clear again. That would be a major points difference to overhaul in the run in. AC Milan do seem to have the form on their side at the moment, and Inter’s selection problems have seen them have to dig very deep to avoid defeats in their last couple of matches. Both times they have come back from behind, but if they fall behind to AC Milan, then it could be a seriously different story.

Catch the action with Bet365’s live streaming service. You will be able to enjoy some Live In-Play betting as you watch one of the most passionate derby matches around. Can Beckham play a major part? Bet365 offer 4/1 on Beckham as Anytime scorer.

David Beckham will be hoping that he gets the chance to do all he can to influence matters on Sunday, where he will probably start from the bench. It is the midfield where this battle will be won or lost. Mourinho has selection problems after losing most of his midfield, to the point where has had to get very inventive with his formations. Mourinho is also without the services of striker Samuel Eto’o, who is away in the African Cup of Nations. AC Milan boss Leonardo does have a lot of injury worries too, so neither side may be at completely full strength for this match. That could lead to Beckham playing an extended role, but they need to be steadfast at the back as well, where they could have a major hole if Nesta isn’t fit enough to take to the pitch.

That doesn’t mean that there won’t still be an embarrassment of riches on display though. AC’s Ronaldinho is in some seriously hot form, and netted himself a hat-trick just last week. He will be the key figure of AC Milan, who are technically the away team, and Inter will need to make sure that they close him down as much as possible. The Brazilian has scored seven of AC Milan’s last dozen goals. With the Italians already being extremely passionate about their football, the fans of AC will be hoping that things go better than the last time they met. Earlier in the season, Inter stamped their authority of AC by hammering them 4-0. AC can’t afford such a disaster again, and they are a team far removed from the poor confidence and form from the start of the season.

BETTING STATS

Last 5 Head to Head
AC Milan 0, Inter Milan 4
Inter Milan 2, AC Milan 1
AC Milan 1, Inter Milan 0
AC Milan 2, Inter Milan 1
Inter Milan 2, AC Milan 1

Last 5 Match Goals
Inter Milan – 9 For, 6 Against
AC Milan – 15 For, 4 Against

Last 10 Form
Inter Milan – W6, D3, L1
AC Milan – W8, D1, L1

Match Prices
Inter Milan to win: 13/8 at BetFred
Draw: 11/5 at Coral
AC Milan to win: 2/1 at SkyBet

Betting Advice: Very tough call on this one. Draw’s aren’t particularly common in the Milan derby, and if you really had to pick a winner, you would probably, cautiously lean towards AC Milan. Perfect for chance for:
AC Milan Draw No Bet – 11/10 at William Hill