Venue: Emirates Stadium; Date: Tuesday, 6th of March 2012; Kick-off time: 19.45
Arsene Wenger has been hurled with abuse and praise this season from both the media and supporters. Scrutinised by the media for his role within the transfer market in the summer of 2011, whilst being showered with praise being voted the most recent Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month for February 2012.
After a winning streak of four games in the row in the league, most recently on the back of a 1-2 victory against Carling Cup winners Liverpool, the Gunners will be needing all the belief they can get to overturn the 4-0 deficit inflicted upon them by the Rossoneri in the 1st leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League.
AC Milan are matching if not bettering Arsenals form, running out 4-0 winners against Palermo at the Renzo Barbera stadium. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic netting three goals as he and Robinho ran riot. After second placed Juventus were frustrated in a 1-1 draw with Chievo, Milan now sit at the summit of Serie A clear of Juventus by 3 points.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal: In previous press conferences, Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he was unhappy with the use of some of his international players, most noticeably Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen, who picked up a slight knock representing his country. However, the experienced defender is fit to play.
Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta was stretchered off against Liverpool on the 3rd of March 2012 after accidentally clashing with Liverpool winger Jordan Henderson. It is reported the Spaniard suffered from concussion and a blow to the jaw.
Abou Diaby, on his return from injury; was dealt a hamstring blow as was Yossi Benayoun which makes both players a doubt for the 2nd leg against Milan. Whilst injury prone Kieran Gibbs received yet another knock making him a doubt for Tuesday night's game too.
AC Milan team news
The travelling Milan fans shouldn't have too much to worry about this coming Tuesday evening as they have a very comfortable lead,
However the club will be concerned for the career of young Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato after he picked up his thirteenth injury in two seasons.
Other possible absentees for the 2nd round leg are: Alessandro Nesta, Rodney Strasser, Alexander Merkel, Clarence Seedorf, Aquilani, KP-Boateng, Flamini, Maxi Lopez and Antonio Cassano who all missed out on the trip to Sicily on the 3rd of March.
Arsenal v AC Milan match odds
If you feel another Milan win is likely then 888sport is your best option, offering the best odds of 12/5 (3.40).
The best odds for a home win currently stand at 6/5 (2.20) at Bet365. Odds for a draw on the night are given at 13/5 (3.60) with bwin.
Here's one for those of you that like a spontaneous bet; bwin are offering odds of 125/1 (126.0) for another 4-0 Milan victory. (A score they like to win by recently).
Arsenal v AC Milan Prediction
The Gunners are on a four-win streak in the league with Robin Van Persie scoring for fun notching two more goals this weekend (25 this EPL season) and this may fuel belief to the squad that they can pull off a result and beat AC Milan.
With AC's ever extending injury list the squad may be stretched. Additionally, Milan's European away from this term isn't too convincing having drawn all three of their away European fixtures.
I believe they'll win on the night, but not have enough to turn round the 4-0 deficit.
Tip: Arsenal 2-1 AC Milan
by Toby Sims.
