Prediction: Arsenal vs AC Milan

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport

Arsenal impressed to end a four-match losing run at Stadio San Siro, recording a 2-0 triumph in the first leg, and the Gunners expect to finish the job at the Emirates. That was the Rossoneri’s only setback in some six weeks and they will give their best to keep this tie alive by scoring an early goal.

Arsenal

This has proved to be yet another disappointing season for Arsenal, who are almost certain to miss out on Premier League top 4 for the second year in a row. After losing three successive league fixtures, the Gunners are 12 points behind Champions League positions with just eight games to go, and they will probably shift their focus towards Europa League, attempting to secure UCL berth by winning the competition.

Arsenal finished top of their group ahead of Red Star, Koln and BATE Borisov despite fielding weakened sides, but the Gunners changed their approach for the knockout stage clash against AC Milan, which resulted in a 2-0 triumph at Stadio San Siro. While Aaron Ramsey scored on his Europa League debut, January recruit Henrikh Mkhitaryan also got on the scoresheet, making sure Arsenal take a two-goal lead into the return leg at the Emirates. Having since also defeated Watford in the league, the Gunners look a good bet to record another win.

Team News

Defenders Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal could be back in contention, but Alexandre Lacazette and Santi Cazorla remain sidelined.

AC Milan

AC Milan had largely struggled in the first part of the season in spite of the heavy summer recruitment, but everything changed with the arrival of Gennaro Gattuso. The former Italy international needed some time to turn things around, but his side finally began to show improvement at the turn of the year. A string of impressive performances saw the Rossoneri qualify for the Coppa Italia final, while also closing the gap behind Serie A top 4 to just six points, where they also have a game in hand.

But, while they impressed on domestic stage, AC Milan are set to crash out of Europe, having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their Last 16 stage clash. The Rossoneri clearly had a bad day at the office, but they did well to return to winning ways against Genoa at the weekend. Given Arsenal’s disappointing performances of late, AC Milan players will not be losing hope of producing a stunning comeback in North London and we expect them to go full guns blazing at the Emirates.

Team News

Apart from full-back Andrea Conti and Ignazio Abate, Gennaro Gattuso will have fully fit squad to select from on Thursday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• Arsenal won three of last seven meetings with AC Milan (D2 L2)
• The Gunners boast 9-4-2 home record against Italian opposition
• AC Milan lost 9 of 16 away games against English sides (D6 W1)
• The Rossoneri won their last four league matches
• Arsenal won last two games after losing previous four

Conclusion

Arsenal appear to be raising their form after a rough patch, but they will have to be wary of in-form AC Milan who did not show all they’ve got in the first match. We do expect to see an open game between two attack-minded sides and plenty of goals at the Emirates.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport