Milan - Arsenal Under 2.5 @ 1.7
This is without doubt the tie of the first knockout round, and following their entertaining scoreless draw in the first leg, AC Milan and Arsenal will do it all over again this week at the San Siro. A score must eventuate from this match - even if it takes a penalty shoot-out - so it will be extremely interesting to see what unfolds in Milan. Following their successful trip to the Emirates, from which they came away with a 0-0 draw, reigning European champions AC Milan are in the box seat to progress in this tie. Ancelotti’s men have been in reasonable if unspectacular form in recent times, in fact, they are unbeaten in their past ten outings in all competitions, allowing them to work their way up to a respectable fifth position in the Serie A. But they have only won one of the last six, drawing five.Their most recent result came against Lazio only a few days ago, as the Rossoneri were held to another disappointing 1-1 draw. They were without key players Kaka, Pirlo, Nesta and Maldini, whilst also losing the services of Seedorf, Emerson and Jankulovski during the course of the game. Arsenal will obviously be a much tougher opponent for Milan than their Roman opponents proved to be. But the Rossoneri will no doubt lift themselves for this occasion, as they usually do in the Champions League. Their home record this season has been impressive, as they have managed three wins from three matches in this competition, whilst only being defeated twice in thirteen in the domestric league thus far. Given also that no English club have beaten Milan yet at the San Siro in a competitive European tie, it looks as if the Gunners will have their work cut out this week to reach the quarter-finals.. The Rossoneri must be cautious of conceding, for if they do let one in early, they will need to score twice. This tie is thus delicately poised, and as a result, a thoroughly absorbing game could be in prospect.. Ancelotti must ensure his side heap more pressure on Arsenal than they did two weeks ago, when thry were lucky to leave London with a draw, partcularly since Emmanual Adebayor headed against the bar in the game's last attack. But if the hosts can add more of a cutting edge to their game in front of the full house expected at the San Siro, Milan will be confident of progressing. But they will take Arsenal lightly at their peril, in spite of the Gunners' recent run of results.
AC Milan
March 1 v Lazio (H) DREW 1-1
February 27 v Catania (A) DREW 1-1
February 24 v Palermo (H) WON 2-1
February 20 v Arsenal (A) DREW 0-0 (Champions League)
February 16 v Parma (A) DREW 0-0
Arsenal
March 1 v Aston Villa (H) DREW
1-1 February 23 v Birmingham (A) DREW
2-2 February 20 v Milan (H) DREW 0-0 (Champions League)
February 16 v Man United (A) LOST 0-4 (FA Cup)
February 11 v Blackburn (H) WON 2-0
AC Milan (4-3-1-2) Kalac; Oddo, Nesta, Maldini, Kaladze; Ambrosini, Pirlo; Gattuso; Kaka; Pato, Inzaghi
Arsenal (4-4-2) Almunia; Sagna, Senderos, Gallas, Clichy; Hleb, Fabregas, Diaby, Flamini; Walcott, Adebayor
I don't kno who will qualify but it will be Under 2.5
AC Milan
March 1 v Lazio (H) DREW 1-1
February 27 v Catania (A) DREW 1-1
February 24 v Palermo (H) WON 2-1
February 20 v Arsenal (A) DREW 0-0 (Champions League)
February 16 v Parma (A) DREW 0-0
Arsenal
March 1 v Aston Villa (H) DREW
1-1 February 23 v Birmingham (A) DREW
2-2 February 20 v Milan (H) DREW 0-0 (Champions League)
February 16 v Man United (A) LOST 0-4 (FA Cup)
February 11 v Blackburn (H) WON 2-0
AC Milan (4-3-1-2) Kalac; Oddo, Nesta, Maldini, Kaladze; Ambrosini, Pirlo; Gattuso; Kaka; Pato, Inzaghi
Arsenal (4-4-2) Almunia; Sagna, Senderos, Gallas, Clichy; Hleb, Fabregas, Diaby, Flamini; Walcott, Adebayor
I don't kno who will qualify but it will be Under 2.5
posted by Midnight Sun @ 18:55,
0 Comments: