AC Milan vs. Arsenal - ESPN2 March 4, 230PM (EST) 1130AM (PST)
Away goals count double (almost). That's the thing to remember.
Milan has shown that they can play defense. They did not show their offensive capabilities in the 0-0 draw at Emirates two weeks ago and that's a dangerous sign. Arsenal's defense really need to step up; Flamini probably has to do 13Km in this match even with Emerson out and Seedorf a doubt because I think Kaka is going to play regardless of what the press says. He has been rested from their Serie A matches; this is too big a match for him to miss.
I believe Arsene will go with a 4-5-1. The back line is the same as the one facing Villa on the weekend: Clichy, Senderos, Gallas, Sagna. Midfield is a bit difficult as I think Eboue will be playing on the right flank; the question will come down to whether to start Diaby or Walcott. On recent form, I would expect Walcott to be selected but will Arsene play him on the left? It's a shame Rosicky is still not fit because we really need him in this kind of big matches.
A big addition to the squad is Robin Van Persie. If he plays, it will be his first match in more than four months. How sharp is he? I am guessing that Bendtner will come on before he does but RvP loves to play on the right side and taking off Eboue after an hour is what Arsene usually does so it'll be interesting to see what kind of impact RvP can bring. Obviously, if Arsenal can score, the away goal rule will put a lot of pressure on the host. And Milan have to come out and attack at home so that should give a little more passing space for Arsenal to do their things. Gallas and Senderos must work better than they have in the Villa match. If Agbonlahor can cause problems then Pato is going to be even more troublesome.
I think Flamini will be the key in this match because if he can push Arsenal forward at a high tempo, Milan will not be able to keep up. If Milan can dictate the pace of the game, then Arsenal will be in trouble because the slow-fast style of football played in Italy can be very tough on the defense - any slight lapse will lead to goals conceded.
A Tuesday match followed by a Sunday EPL match is good for the players who get a little extra time to recover from their exertion.
Let's cheer on our Gunners!
2 hours ago
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2 deflections:
Agbonlahor caused all sorts of problems against Arsenal. What was that all about?
I hope Walcott starts and plays well. He's a player who can make a difference. I could see AC Milan conceding a penalty with a foul on Walcott - his pace could cause them problems.
There were a few flashes of danger from Pato and Kaka in the first leg, and if they're in top form, it could ease the pressure on Arsenal's thin squad for the rest of the season.
It was Agbonlahor who supplied the left-footed cross to Senderos for him to score the own goal. Prior to that, Gallas was successfull in a last-ditch tackle to rob Agbonlahor of the ball before he could go one-on-one against Almunia. For both those plays, Sagna was too far forward and Villa broke very quickly to wreak havoc. We cannot allow Milan to do the same because Pato will cause even more trouble.
Our squad is very thin at the moment but we are in a good position to protect our lead in the EPL. The return of Van Persie, Rosicky, and Diaby should inject new energy to the team. I am very hopeful.
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