Prediction: Arsenal vs AC Milan

5th March 2012

Making it to the Champions League quarter-finals is clearly a mission impossible for Arsenal following the 4-0 defeat at San Siro, but the Gunners will, nonetheless, try everything to produce what would be a major upset. AC Milan are a very experienced side and even without a host of first team regulars, the Rossoneri have more than enough quality to make it to the next stage.

Arsenal have had their share of disappointments this season, but none of them had as devastating effect to the squad as the 4-0 defeat to AC Milan. With that in mind, nobody was surprised to see the Gunners drop out of the FA Cup at the hands of Sunderland, but I have to admit I was impressed with how Arsene Wenger’s side reacted to the aforementioned defeats. Going two goals down at the start of the North London derby against Tottenham, Arsenal found themselves in major problems, but they then produced an amazing comeback to record a 5-2 victory over their arch rivals. As if that was not enough, the Gunners came from a goal behind to beat Liverpool at Anfield and are now in a perfect mood to try and overturn a four-goal advantage against Milan. Arsenal have no choice but to attack their opponents from the off, which should result in a very open game. Arsene Wenger faces a genuine selection headache before the all-important clash, with Arteta, Diaby and Benayoun the latest players to have been ruled out. Tomas Rosicky is doubtful, whereas Wilshire, Ramsey, Santos, Mertesacker, Frimpong and Coquelin are all long-term worries.

AC Milan may have suffered a small dip in form at the start of February that threatened to hurt their Serie A and Champions League title bids, but the Rossoneri quickly returned to the right track and now enter the crucial stage of the season in remarkable form. The amazing victory over Arsenal was just one of their impressive results over the last few weeks, with away wins over Udinese, Cesena and Palermo, in which the Rossoneri scored the total of nine goals, completing the good run. Milan did fail to beat Juventus at home, but Max Allegri’s side had a goal wrongfully ruled out when they were already a goal up, and if that hadn’t happened, they would have probably won that game as well. Arriving to the Emirates with a huge advantage in their pockets, the Rossoneri can play a waiting game in London and they are unlikely to risk too much, although they are going to punish Arsenal on the break if afforded enough space. Alberto Aquilani has made the trip after recovering from injury, but Muntari, Cassano, Pato, Nesta, Maxi Lopez, Seedorf, Boateng, Merkel, Strasser, Gattuso and Flamini are unavailable.

Conclusion

Given they are high on confidence after derby wins over Tottenham and Liverpool, Arsenal will fancy their chances against injury-plagued Milan and the Gunners are expected to go all guns blazing at their opponents. The Rossoneri will try to keep things tight at the back and hit the hosts on the break, so over 2.5 goals look a good bet here.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: BetVictor