AC Milan travel to Turin to meet old rivals Juventus having faded badly since the winter break and are even in danger of missing out on what was once a seemingly assured top-four finish later this month.
Fortunately, they prepare for one of their toughest assignments of the campaign with few concerns due to absences, as only young striker Daniel Maldini remains a doubt to take a place in Stefano Pioli's squad through injury and Spanish winger Samu Castillejo is ruled out due to a suspension for yellow-card accumulation.
Despite a clean sheet against lowly Benevento last time out, Pioli could be tempted to make a change at centre-back, as Alessio Romagnoli will hope to return to the starting XI in place of one of recent pairing Fikayo Tomori, on loan from Chelsea, and the vastly experienced Simon Kjaer.
Meanwhile, Croatia international Ante Rebic is another contender to break back into the side, with the inconsistent Rafael Leao's place in the trio supporting Zlatan Ibrahimovic most at risk.
The Swedish superstar may have found the target just once in his last seven outings, but will lead the line for the visitors against his former club - looking to build on a 15-goal tally primarily poached in the first half of the campaign.
In midfield, the grit and intensity of Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie can be expected to start on away soil, with Sandro Tonali patiently awaiting his chance to make an impact as a second-half substitute. Talented Manchester City loanee Brahim Diaz, too, will hope to be afforded an opportunity as the game nears its climax.
AC Milan possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Hernandez; Kessie, Bennacer; Saelemaekers, Calhanoglu, Rebic; Ibrahimovic
> Click here to see how Juventus could line up for Sunday's game
Jonathan O'Shea
