Preview: Torino vs. AC Milan

The mood of the AC Milan supporters hit a rare high point before Christmas thanks to a couple of promising displays, but Filippo Inzaghi's side were brought back down to earth with a bang in midweek.

After beating Napoli and holding Roma to a draw in December, the suggestion that Milan could secure Champions League qualification this season appeared to be a realistic one.

Inzaghi finally had his talented players looking comfortable in his system, but a shock 2-1 defeat to Sassuolo on Tuesday has seen the team come in for criticism.

The Milan boss was in no mood to make excuses for his side's display, telling reporters: "We became imprecise, a bit sluggish and things then went wrong. I am disappointed as we were doing very well and this is a step back. This match will serve us as a lesson. This side needs to grow."

It wasn't an ideal debut for Alessio Cerci, who came off the bench to play for the Rossoneri for the first time since arriving from Atletico Madrid in a loan move which saw Fernando Torres move in the opposite direction, but he could be given his first start against the side he left in the summer.

There could also be a recall for Sulley Muntari, who is pushing to replace Michael Essien in midfield for Milan.

Torino head into the game full of confidence thanks to a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions either side of the international break, and Giampiero Ventura's side could be nine points clear of the relegation zone if they record a victory.

Torino:

Form in Serie A: LLDDWD Form in all competitions: LDWDWD

Possible starting lineup: Padelli, Molinaro, Darmian, Glik, Maksimovic, Silva, Gazzi, Vives, Farnerud, Quagliarella, Martinez

AC Milan:

Form in Serie A: DWLWDL Form in all competitions: WLWDWL

Possible starting lineup: Lopez, Alex, Zapata, Abate, De Sciglio, Muntari, Menez, Montolivo, Poli, Cerci, El Shaarawy

Sports Mole says: 1-1