Ac Milan vs. Arsenal Preview

From the moment the draw took place in Geneva last year, AC Milan vs. Arsenal immediately looked the pick of the Champions League last 16 ties and both teams should serve up a real European feast starting in the First Leg at the San Siro on February 15.

AC Milan hold the experience, whilst Arsenal represent the youth – and it will be extremely interesting to see which asset prevails over 180 minutes with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

The Rossoneri have an excellent record in Europe’s premier club competition however their credentials this time around look rather sketchy because of their ageing squad.

Massimilliano Allegri’s side undoubtedly possess a great deal of quality through the likes of Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, however in the long run they appear destined to lack the firepower and pace of teams such as Barcelona and Real Madrid.

They should, nevertheless, have too much steel and know how to beat an Arsenal side who are enduring a torrid time domestically this season

Andrea Pirlo was lost to Scudetto rivals Juventus in the summer but Milan have replaced the World Cup winning playmaker with hard man Mark Van Bommel who will be keen to stamp his authority on the tie from the very first whistle.

Arsenal are notorious for struggling against physical teams who like to put themselves about and with confidence at an all-time low, the Gunners could struggle to get a foothold in this clash – especially considering that the first leg is in Italy.

With veteran Clarence Seedorf completing a menacing Dutch duo for Milan in the middle of midfield, Arsenal look lightweight by contrast and it will be down to anchor man Abou Diaby to battle for possession and help his team hit Milan on the break.

Arsenal knocked AC Milan out of this competition against the odds in 2008 but it will take some feat to keep the Italians scoreless in the San Siro as they did four years ago.

Arsene Wenger’s defence continues to look suspect even against mediocre Premier League strikers so the aforementioned Ibrahimovic and Robinho will be confident of getting the hosts off to a good and perhaps even decisive start.

At around even money, AC Milan look a fantastic bet to record a first leg success and even regardless of the evident gulf in quality between the two teams, home advantage will, as ever, be crucial.

It will be interesting to see how Wenger sets up his starting line-up and whether or not he will approach the game in such a way as to ensure his men are still in the fight come the second leg at the Emirates.

Milan have been unflappable at home in Serie A and the daunting task facing Arsenal’s young, injury hit squad should prove too much of a tall order.

The Milanese can satisfy any punters wishing to steam into the even money and can also cover a one goal handicap at more rewarding odds of 3/1.

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06/02/2012     © Frixo 2024