Preview: Milan v Palermo

With UEFA's most recent not so "random" draw sending Zlatan back to his former employer, AGAIN, we get it Platini! It is the Bayern v Juventus tie that is the most intriguing to Milan. For some Milan "fans" it will be difficult to decide who to root for PSG, Barcelona, Juventus, or Bayern, these closet glory hunters don't know where to turn!? But for the true Milanista the mission is simple...time to storm the top of the Table!

Now, who knows maybe Juventus will stay strong on both fronts, and pull a double!? Or they go back to the 90's or the 00's and dig out a little history for help, never can trust an Old Lady. But as Milan fans it is not our concern, our only concern is what can Milan do to assure they are on their heels if they falter. Simple, WIN, early and often, and keep the pressure on. It starts this weekend with Palermo and the mantra of one game at a time comes back with a vengeance. Yes, Juventus, Napoli, Fiorentina and Roma loom on the horizon but no sense in worrying about the future if you can't own present.

The present is Palermo and they all prove a bit difficult. Milan will be without Pazzo (injured) and Constant (suspended) and many a tired legs after this week's disappointment. It will be interesting to see if Max turns to former Palermo man, and Palermo beater, Antonio Nocerino, or if he sticks with the same tried and true 4-3-3? My take:

Abbiati, Abate, Mexes, Zapata, DeSciglio; Nocerino, Monty, Muntari; Robinho, Balotelli, Boateng

The first thing you may notice is that this formation can revert to 4-3-1-2 and while unlikely it is deployed as such, a one goal lead could cause a shift. I also can't help but think Abate needs a rest, but playing Zaccardo against his former Club may or may not be a good move, but a reasonable one if it occurs. El Sharaawy looks simply exhausted and he has earned some rest, with Robinho wide left and Nocerino wins the start for me on sentiment on something like 4 goals in his last three versus Palermo.

See you Sunday as we continue storming the top, remaining unbeaten in Serie A in 2013 and taking it one game at a time...