Allen Hamilton
What: Champions League Round of 16
Who: Arsenal (0) vs AC Milan (4) (first leg score in brackets)
When: Tuesday 6th March, 2012, at 19:45 UK time
Where: Emirates Stadium, London, England
Believing in the Impossible
Arsenal were thoroughly trounced in the first leg at the San Siro. If being 4-0 behind gives the Gunners a glimpse of a distant light in a tunnel, then they are lucky for that. Arsene Wenger’s side could have have gone down by six or seven in Italy and the result would not have flattered AC Milan.
As it is, Arsenal have picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and produced two fine performances in their last two games. Firstly rivals Tottenham Hotspur were thrashed 5-2 at the Emirates and then that result was followed up at the weekend with an impressive 2-1 victory away at Liverpool. Both games have put Arsenal very firmly in the driving seat to finish in a top four spot, a revival which has been so profound that even an exit from the Champions League would not dent the sense of achievement if the Gunners do finish in a Champions League berth.
Wenger has not written this tie off completely however and has promised that Arsenal will continue to believe that the impossible is possible. "It is important we have a strong belief and that we show we have enough belief to make what looks impossible, possible", said the Frenchman.
Key to Arsenal’s hopes will surely be Robin van Persie. The Dutchman grabbed a brace against Liverpool – he may need to double that here.
Don’t Switch Off
If there is one side which has learned not to believe victory is won before the final whistle blows, then it is AC Milan. The Rossoneri were on the losing side of what was possibly the most entertaining Champions League final of the modern era, when Liverpool came back from 3-0 down at half time to draw 3-3 and ultimately take the trophy on penalties in 2005.
And so, at 4-0 up, the Rossoneri will want to quietly get the job done and make sure Arsenal do not start to erase the deficit and set nerves jangling in the Milan defence. To do that, coach Massimiliano Allegri believes that his side should set out to score, not simply sit back and try to sit on what is a very comfortable lead.
"It will be harder tomorrow than the first leg", said the former Cagliari boss. "The important thing is to score goals. One thing is certain: The Gunners will face the same intensity as the first leg."
Milan warmed up for the clash by thumping Palermo 4-0 away in Serie A to stretch their lead to three points over Juventus. The Italians will clearly arrive in England in good heart.
Recent form
Arsenal:
Sunderland 2-0 Arsenal (18/02; FA Cup)
Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur (26/02; Premier League)
Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal (03/03; Premier League)
AC Milan:
Cesena 1-3 AC Milan (19/02; Serie A)
AC Milan 1-1 Juventus (25/02; Serie A)
Palermo 0-4 AC Milan (03/03; Serie A)
Key absences
Arsenal: Yossi Benayoung (doubt); Tomas Rosicky (doubt); Kieran Gibbs (doubt); Abou Diaby; Mikel Arteta; Aaron Ramsey; Per Mertesacker; Andre Santos; Jack Wilshere
AC Milan: Clarence Seedorf (doubt); Kevin-Prince Boateng (doubt); Alexandre Pato (doubt); Maxi Lopez (doubt); Mathieu Flamini
Players to watch
Arsenal – Robin van Persie: The Dutchman is on fire at present and it is difficult to see Arsenal pulling off a miracle comeback without a Van Persie masterclass. In a hot streak of form after three goals in his last two games, the former Feyenoord man is the Gunners’ main threat.
AC Milan – Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Fresh off scoring a hat-trick in Milan’s 4-0 weekend win, the Swede is on fire. Ibrahimovic shrugged off his reputation as a player who struggles against English opposition by scoring in the first leg and dominating the Arsenal defence. More of the same is needed here.
Match Prediction
Despite the bluster from Arsene Wenger, it is doubtful Arsenal really believe that they can plot a course through to the Champions League quarter-finals. This then is about pride. Milan will be dangerous, but have an eye on protecting their advantage. Arsenal should score though. Arsenal 2-0 AC Milan.
