Can Jose put an end to Milan's title push?

The 270th Derby della Madonnina promises to be an enthralling affair, believe the hype. Internazionale are not performing to the top of their potential, while AC Milan are a team struggling to shake off the shackles of inconsistency. A Milan victory would surely provide a much needed confidence boost for the team and reignite a race for the Scudetto that looked non-existent a few weeks ago. Inter on the other hand could kill off the title challenge from their city rivals and potentially make the Scudetto a foregone conclusion. We wait with baited breath for the most gripping derby in years.

Milan emerged victorious earlier in the season but this time out Inter have the home advantage and an eight point lead over their city rivals. Inter coach Jose Mourinho has moulded a well-ordered unit that is disciplined in its approach to the game, but relies much on the mercurial Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has scored an unbelievable 60 per cent of the Nerazzurri's goals this season.

Mourinho looks set to line up with the more successful 4-4-2 formation he has adopted, after his own 4-3-3/4-5-1 failed to set Serie A alight during the introductory weeks of the season. Douglas Maicon it seems has shaken off injury and looks set to start in defence along with Ivan Cordoba alongside Nicolas Burdisso. Either Maxwell or Davide Santon, the young but hugely rated Inter youngster look set to start at left back. Maicon is incidentally the clubs second highest scorer after Zlatan, which certainly proves his worth and importance to the Nerazzurri.

In midfield, Mourinho will more than likely go with the tried and tested quartet of Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Sulley Muntari and Dejan Stankovic. And in attack Ibrahimovic a certain to start, but who will partner the magnificent Swede remains up for debate, as it appears Adriano may get a recall to the side. He has not played for Inter since January 25th and it remains to be seen what condition he is in exactly. Mario Balotelli may get further game time after his well publicised disagreements with Jose or will Julio Cruz get the nod?

Milan on the other hand go into the game without their key player, Kaka, who injured his foot against Reggina and looks set to be out for 2 weeks. With his absence, Carlo Ancelotti may put his faith in the misfiring Ronaldinho. He has only started one of the last five games but Milan hope he will be at his brilliant best, as he will prove pivotal in Milan's forays forward. The pace of fellow Brazilian Pato and with in-form David Beckham providing the ammunition, the Inter defence will surely have something to think about.

Midfield maestro, Andrea Pirlo will provide protection for the Milan defence along with club stalwart Massimo Ambrosini. Zambrotta and Jankulovski look set for the full back berths, in addition to Kakha Kaladze partnering the legend, Paolo Maldini at centre back. In what will be his last derby, Maldini hopes it will be a pleasant one stating, "My dream is to win this final derby and that is the only thing that matters to me." Lets hope the rest of his Rossoneri teammates show this level of commitment and passion in what promises to be a fantastic occasion.