Milan's not-so-golden oldies take on Roma

European Leagues / Dan Fitch / 26 October 2007 / Leave a Comment

Dan "The Betting Man" Fitch previews one of Betfair's Sunday Live Video offerings as Roma visit the San Siro

I'm one of those people who view sell by dates on food as merely a rough guide, rather than anything that should be strictly adhered to. I tend to think that if cheese can taste wonderful when covered in mould, then why can't meat? But occasionally this practice backfires on me and I find myself unable to leave the bathroom for hours on end and questioning the wisdom of having given quite so much fridge time, to that garage-bought pork pie. Every now and then, you have to have a clear out and bring in something fresh.

I don't know what Carlo Ancelotti's fridge smells like, but some of his squad definitely seem on the turn. AC Milan's weekend defeat to Empoli, saw them still without a Serie A home win this season. The average age of that team was 31, with Gilardino the baby of the side at 25 and the returning Paolo Maldini being so far and away the eldest, that back when he made his Milan debut he was asked to man mark John Charles.

Yet Ancelotti can surely be forgiven for showing faith in his side. They are after all the reigning Champions League holders and it is their recent pedigree in this competition that has masked their inadequacies. In truth, Milan probably just require a little tweaking, rather than a major overhaul. Dida gave a lap of apology before the Empoli game, in response to the scorn regarding his recent theatrics, but it's his erratic performances that he really needs to apologise for. As well as a new keeper, Milan need a reliable source of goals, with Inzaghi now 34 and Gilardino yet to prove that he is truly top class.

Much is expected of Ronaldo, though it is unlikely that he will return against Roma, especially with Gilardino scoring twice in the 4-1 Champions league victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. But though his goal record for Milan is good (7 goals in 14 games), is he really the man to put your hopes on at 31 years old and with a consistent history of injury? The long term plans rest with the Brazilian teenage sensation Alexandre Pato, but due to Italian football regulations that state non-EU minors are unable to be registered in Italy, he is not permitted to play for Milan until the transfer window reopens. Such is the faith in Pato's ability, that he is also seen as the answer to Brazil's striking problems.

Like Milan, Roma also have a dodgy home record, so a trip to the San Siro may come as a relief. In fact it is Roma's away form that is the foundation of their fourth placed position in the league, with the draw against third-placed Fiorentina, the only points dropped on the road. Even their poor home record may not truly reflect Roma's form, considering that their only defeat this season was against the peerless Inter and with the resurgent Juve forcing a draw. But there was no explaining the last drop of home points against Napoli, as Roma surrendered the lead on 3 occasions as they recorded that most unlikely result in Italian football, the 4-4 draw. In total this was the third time this season that Roma have led, before capitulating in a frankly Tottenham-like manner. Therefore, should Roma take the lead, a lay may be a safe trading position.

All the action can be seen on Betfair Video, with Milan favourites at 2.26, Roma 3.75 and the draw 3.25. This is a tricky one to call, with both teams coming off the back of Champions League wins and Milan surely due a home victory, but with Roma in excellent away form. The draw will be my bet and I also fancy Under 2.5 goals at 1.95, despite the fact that Roma's last league match contained eight of the blighters. One thing is for sure. Roma will provide the sort of test that will determine just how rank, Milan are in danger of becoming.

To view this match on Betfair live video go to:

http://livevideo.betfair.com/