And now the game I’m looking most forward to – Arsenal against Milan. Well, I expect nothing more than an Arsenal win. I know they have been thrashed by Man Utd on Saturday but I see no chances for a repeat. Man Utd did play superb football from the beginning and Arsenal’s performance was just shameful. But Arsenal must have erased this game from their memory by now. They will field a very strong starting 11, for sure no Hoyte, Traore, hopefully no Eboue and no Gilberto Silva. Instead Sagna (he has a family problem, that’s why he hasn’t featured against Man Utd and Wenger couldn’t asy whether he’d be available for this one), Clichy, Flamini and Adebayor. I don’t know about Almunia, he’s been sick recently and I have no infos on his status for this game. It was clearly visible that Gallas was far from happy seeing Lehmann’s performance in goal on Saturday but should even the German start I expect all small conflicts to be forgotten. I really hope Sagna is back and if he is than I will have just one doubt as to Arsenal’s starting line-up and that’s who’s gonna start in midfield along Fabregas, Flamini and Hleb. Unless Walcott or Rosicky recover from their injuries we might unfortunately see Gilberto or Eboue starting. I would prefer to see Song (he's been injured too) to start but that would be too risky for Wenger probably. Adebayor and Eduardo will lead Arsenal’s attack.

Now Milan, the defending champions. Last year in knock-out stages they have defeated three British sides...I see no repeat this year. They are just three points behind Fiorentina right now so that’s positive. The fact they haven’t played well recently can be easily explained by the number of games they had to play. And they can be regarded as CL specialists. All true. But I don’t see them beating Arsenal at Emirates. They have huge problems with their goalkeepers. Kalac injured his finger and it isn’t known whether he will play. Dida got injured while sitting on the bench!!! Apparently he couldn’t get up off the bench and had to be carried off. On one hand hilarious, on the other quite worrying to hear a story like that. Their defensive line-up should be good, their midfield too but it isn’t known yet whether Seedorf will play and Kaka just got back from injury. No Ronaldo of course but Pato will be ready and they also have Gilardino and Inzaghi, who as we know is always dangerous.

Overall I rate Arsenal as better side. They are the better of the two sides this season. They will play fast football and will be able to open Milan’s defense and score. The weekend result will play no role in this one. That’s why I’m taking Arsenal to win it.



Pick : Arsenal
Odds : 2.20
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365
Match Result : 0-0
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