AC Milan vs Arsenal : Preview

Undoubtedly one of the most important games for AC Milan this season, not just because it is a knockout home encounter against a side who can be very dangerous, but also because Milan were sinking into a vicious cycle of Zero victories in 4 games until they managed to take 3 points from Udinese on Saturday in the final 20 minutes of the game. Hardly a convincing victory, but vital for confidence and team spirit. 

Now, 4 days later, Milan need to overcome another challenge in what is probably the most critical month of their season. While the likes of Prince, Pato, Nesta, and Abbiati have returned from the infirmary, Pato and Prince have been out for quite a while and will probably need a gradual re-introduction into the first team , hence neither of them would be likely to start against Arsenal tonight. It is true that Milan have a poor record in the head to head matches against the top 6 Italian sides, however, I wouldn't say they were severely outplayed in many of those head to head games, in addition, their head to head ties mostly occurred when Milan had to do without 13 of their players. The main concern for Milan will be fatigue as there has been little rotation for Ambrosini, Seedorf, and Van Bommel who have been playing twice a week for the past 3 weeks, they look like they're about to use up the last drop in their reserve tank and will really need to dig in deep to stay focused and energetic this evening. 

Arsenal are going into this match on the back of two wins, A comprehensive 7-1 victory against Blackburn, and a 2-1 last minute win against Sunderland. However, Arsenal are not known to be the most consistent team in the world and their form is something that I don't believe will have much influence on the match at hand. Arsenal, like Milan, have also had more than a fair share of injury problems this season and will be heading into the match without Mertesacker (which may not be such a bad thing) , Diaby, Jenkinson, Wilshere, and Gervinho. 

Milan will probably field their battling midfield trio Consisting Van Bommel, Ambrosini, and Nocerino, with either Seedorf or Emmanuelson playing as a trequartista. Upfront, Robinho is the most likely candidate to join Ibrahimovic, and the back four will most probably be Abate, Thiago Silva, Nesta, and Antonini. 

I don't expect to see Arsenal change their set up for this match, so it would be RVP upfront supported by Ramsey, Walcott and Chamberlain, Arteta and Song. With not much options for the back four, I predict Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, and Coquelin to be called for defensive duty. 

Final Thoughts: 

Both teams like to play possession football and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top and takes control of the match. 

Both teams have been largely dependent on one man to make the difference , RVP for Arsenal, and Ibra for Milan. Whoever is in better form will give his team the advantage this evening. 

Milan's players have much more experience playing in the champions league and it will be a match between experience and wisdom against youth and enthusiasm. 

Milan's midfield can be characterized as a defensive , combating midfield with limited creativity. They can ve  very aggressive and allow little time and space for Arsenal, but at the same time, they generally are not very dangerous with the ball. (Especially without the presence of KVP).