Balotelli to help AC against former club Inter in unusual Milan derby

Three of the last four meetings between Inter and AC Milan have featured less than three goals and, with both sides missing key men, it’s worth backing under 2.5 goals at Evens.

Hosts Inter have Ricardo Alvarez suspended after picking up a red card in the 4-2 defeat at Napoli a week ago.

The 25-year-old Argentinian has been a key player for the home side this season, creating six goals and scoring four in 15 Serie A matches.

They also have Christian Chivu, Diego Milito and Walter Samuel out injured, so Inter are far from at full strength.

The rumours earlier in the week suggested that Walter Mazzari could drop leading scorer Rodrigo Palacio in favour of Mauro Icardi.

However it appears unlikely that Mazzari won’t start his nine-goal striker and he’s the obvious contender to score first.

The 31-year-old is 11/2 to find the net first.

Bet on under 2.5 goals at Evens

There could be a strange atmosphere in the San Siro this evening, as Inter’s “curva” will be closed for one game as punishment for fans chanting territorial-discriminating songs in Napoli.

In a strange twist, their cross-town rival fans have announced a strike to show their support and what is normally a feral atmosphere in the stands might not be the case today.

The visitors are unbeaten in their last five Serie A games but have injury problems of their own to deal with.

Massimilano Allegri’s side are without playmakers Riccardo Montolivo (banned) and Robinho (injured), the two men who have set up seven goals this season.

Matias Silvestre and Ignazio Abate are also on the sidelines and Allegri will have to tinker with his side.

Bet on the 1-1 draw at 5/1

Mario Balotelli has six Serie A goals to his name this season and the 23-year-old has three in his last four league matches.