GdS: Predicted XIs for Inter vs. Milan – Estupinan over Bartesaghi

Massimiliano Allegri and Cristian Chivu are getting closer to having to name their line-ups for the derby, and both already have clear ideas.

Just two points separate Inter and Milan in the Serie A table going into Sunday’s game, which promises to be another showpiece event for Italian football. The Nerrazzurri are top of the table at the moment, but the Rossoneri can leapfrog them with a win, or fall five points behind with a defeat.

Inter vs. AC Milan: Predicted starting XIs

Looking first of all at Milan, there is just one injury for Allegri to contend with: Santiago Gimenez is expected to miss out with an ankle issue.

According to Sky, Mike Maignan will remain in goal with Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic as the three-man defence ahead of him. Alexis Saelemaekers will be the right wing-back, and Pervis Estupinan is tipped to win the battle to start on the left.

The midfield trio welcomes back Adrien Rabiot, who will operate alongside Luka Modric and Youssouf Fofana. Leading the line will be Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, who would make their first league start together.

Predicted Milan XI (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Pulisic, Leao.

Inter meanwhile are expected to line up with the same system. Thuram and Lautaro should lead the line for them, with Barella, Calhanoglu and Sucic the three-man midfield.

Carlos Augusto will take the place of the injured Dumfries, with Dimarco on the left. Akanji, Acerbi and Bastoni are down as the three-man defence.

Predicted Inter XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Carlos Augusto, Barella, Calhanoglu, Sucic, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro.