Prediction: AC Milan vs Arsenal

14th February 2012

With their squad stripped to bare bones due to numerous injuries, Milan go into this match with what resembles a second string line-up. The situation at Arsenal is not much better, but having come this far, both sides will be looking to forget all their problems and produce a solid performance at San Siro.

Impressive January recruitment played a crucial part in Milan’s push for the Serie A title last season, but even so, many people were surprised to see the Rossoneri add five quality players to what was already a pretty bid squad in the summer. It is the great strength in depth that is proving to be a major asset this season as the huge squad have allowed Maxi Allegri’s side to keep their results respectable even when there were a dozen players out on the sidelines. Following several under-par results, the Rossoneri managed to return to the right track with an impressive derby win over Udinese, which is going to serve as a major boost before the clash with Arsenal. The return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mark van Bommel from domestic suspension will also improve the atmosphere in the squad, but the Rossoneri are again set to miss several very important players. Sulley Muntari, Antonio Cassano, Filippo Inzaghi and Gennaro Gattuso are not even included in the Champions League list, whereas Alexandre Pato, Mathieu Flamini, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Christian Abbiati, Alexander Merkel, Alessandro Nesta, Alberto Aquilani and Mario Yepes are all out through injury.

Arsenal recovered well from the disappointing start to the season and the Gunners were playing great football in October and November, but they then embarked on a pretty poor run, during which they were unable to record back to back victories in no less than 15 games. Arsene Wenger’s side have been showing a lot of improvement lately and they finally managed to end the poor run, having beaten Blackburn and Sunderland in quick succession. Following the 7-1 victory over Rovers, the Gunners came from a goal behind to beat the Black Cats thanks to Thierry Henry’s injury-time goal, with the club icon once again proving he still has what it takes to play at the biggest stage. In spite of scoring a goal each in his last two games, the Frenchman is likely to start on the bench, with hotshot Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to be preferred on the left wing. Kieran Gibbs is expected to start after Per Mertesacker was ruled out through injury, in which case Thomas Vermaelen will partner Laurent Koscielny in the heart of defence. Jack Wilshire, Abou Diaby, Andre Santos and Carl Jenkinson are all long-term casualties. Gervinho is unlikely to feature as he just returned from Africa Cup of Nations.

Conclusion

Milan may be missing quite a few first team regulars, but the Rossoneri have excellent replacements for the absentees, whereas their experience could prove to be a major asset in this clash. Arsenal are still finding their form and I am not sure they can avoid defeat at San Siro.

Verdict: Home win Milan (1)

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: William Hill