Manchester United V AC Milan: We’re rooting for the Italians, will you?

Manchester United V AC Milan

Wednesday, 10^th March – 19:45 GMT (UEFA Champions League)

Matt’s Tip: Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.85 Bet365 (WON!)

With Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United holding all the aces after their sublime 3-2 win at the San Siro last month, the necessity to win falls upon the shoulders of Leonardo and his Milan players, although it does look a tall order considering they need to score at least twice to even make this a competitive second leg. One thing it does do, however, is leave Milan needing to attack, desperate for early goals, and there could be value all over the goal markets as, in theory, this should be an open game of football.

Over 2.5 Goals – I wouldn’t go as far as to say three of more goals is a formality, but this deciding leg should produce it’s fair few goals as Milan can only afford to have an all-out attacking mindset, while United will be dangerous throughout regardless of the two goal cushion they have over their Italian opponents. Moreover, while the situation of Milan will play into the hands of ‘Overs’ backers, both teams have the necessary inventory, the forward prowess if you like, to score plenty of goals, so this bet, one which was a tasty 2.10 or thereabouts in the first leg, looks tremendous value providing we get an electric start to proceedings.

Odds: 1.85 Bet365

AC Milan to score 2 or More, AC Milan to score 3 or More – The Rossoneri need goals, and in bulk supply, if they’re to be celebrating come 90 minutes, or then some if the game does so happen to finish in a mouthwatering 3-2 victory for the away side (50/1 Bet365). You would have to expect some sort of blistering start from Milan as they desperately need to score the opener, else it could be curtains. However, despite losing the first leg, and conceding three away goals, there were plenty of positives to take from that outing, none more so than United’s vulnerability at the back. Ronaldinho had the beating of his marker, Rio Ferdinand, on every occasion leaving the current England captain flat out on deck for most of the game, while the return of Pato, someone with a bit more pace then the rest of the Milan forwards, should keep this sluggish United defence on its toes throughout.

The situation demands goals from Milan, so betting on them bagging a few looks another great value bet, especially for those who’ll be cheering home the Italians instead of a fellow English side… much like us!

Odds: 3.40 PaddyPower

Odds: 10.00 PaddyPower

Ronaldinho & Alexandre Pato Anytime Scorers – Be careful with this bet as it only counts for 90 minutes of play and not Extra-Time, although you will get the full advantage of those crucial, often goal producing, few minutes in injury time. Even so, 90 minutes should be more than enough for a quality, accomplished forward to get on the score sheet and Milan will need their two Brazilian stars to shine at Old Trafford if they are to stand any hope at all.

Ronaldinho terrorised the United defence in the first leg, with a rusty Ferdinand useless against the quick feet and vision of Ronaldinho, He was constant thorn in United’s side at the San Siro, in fact he was the only Milan player to really come away with any credit as the rest of the AC team was merely floating above adequate in terms of their effort input. However, the former World Player of the Year now has a sparing partner, a Brazilian as well, as one of Serie A’s trickiest customers pays United a visit as Alexandre Pato aims to be Milan’s superman, and believe me, they need one. In a team full of veterans and golden oldies, Pato brings about fresh enthusiasm, some pace in behind the United defence, and another player who boasts tricks and skills in abundance. Neither will be pleasing on the eye to the United defence, but the pair are more than capable of unlocking United back line, one which was blown wide open at Wolves on Saturday against far lesser attacking opposition.

Odds: 4.30 Coral

Odds: 4.30 Coral

Good Luck with you bets in the intriguing Manchester United V AC Milan game!