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Two of Serie A's most inconsistent teams clash at the San Siro in Sunday's late game, with AC Milan playing host to Lazio. Siniša Mihajlović's hosts sit seven points clear of the Roman outfit in the league table, though occupying sixth place, they're only two places higher. It looks increasingly likely that both teams will peter out into mid-table mediocrity once again, meaning pride may well be the only thing left to salvage in this encounter.
Milan have only lost twice this side of Christmas, though too many draws have rendered them unable to build up any momentum. Still, add home advantage into the mix and it's clear that they head into this match as favourites. Lazio have been in some considerably worse form of late, with the latest embarrassment coming for coach Stefano Pioli's men in their midweek rout at home to Sparta Prague in the Europa League. They've now won just once in their last five, and would do well to avoid another defeat.
Key player: Carlos Bacca (AC Milan)
Colombian striker Carlos Bacca has netted 13 Serie A goals in 27 starts, leading coach Mihajović to declare in the week his desire to see more from the 29-year-old. Bacca's been able to show glimpses of the deadly forward he was before his arrival from Sevilla in the summer, though unfortunately consistency has been lacking, and he's now not scored in any of his last five. Will he be able to change that here?
Recent history
Recent meetings between these sides have been surprisingly even. Of their last six clashes, Milan and Lazio have each won once home and once away. Stefano Pioli's side won on their last visit to Milan in the Coppa Italia last January, though have tended to struggle at the San Siro in the league. They'll have to break a long-running hoodoo if they're to come away with three points.
AC Milan injuries and suspensions
Out: M'Baye Niang, Juraj Kucka (injured). In doubt: None.
Lazio injuries and suspensions
Out: Stefan de Vrij, Dušan Basta, Stefan Radu, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Ricardo Kishna, Abdoulay Konko. in doubt: None.
AC Milan will be without attacking starlet Niang, as well as industrious midfielder Kucka. Lazio's injury woes are comfortably more severe: Pioli will be without defenders Konko, Radu, Basta and de Vrij, as well as young midfielder Milinković-Savić.
Match date/time: Sunday, 3:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy
TV: RAI International (U.S. and Canada - Italian); BT Sport Europe (U.K.)
Online: BT Sport live streaming (U.K.)