AC Milan vs Man United – The Beckham effect on Champions League Betting

The return of David Beckham playing against his old team Manchester United has been dominating the Champions League news, ever since the draw for the first stage of the knockouts were announced. Old Trafford will have to await the return of their old hero, but Tuesday will see Beckham turn out against Man Utd for the first time since leaving the fold. Beckham has vowed not to celebrate if he scores a goal against Milan, but in order to do that, he will need to come off the bench. Despite that, he will draw a lot of attention at the bookmakers on popping up with a goal. He has been kept on the side lines for the past couple of games by boss Leonardo, as Milan look to challenge hard for the Serie A title. The Rossoneri recently lost a crucial derby match against league leaders Inter Milan, but their season has generally been one of transformation.

After a slow start they have played their way into contention to becoming Italian champions, as well as making steady, but not overwhelming progress through the Champions League. Milan were on the receiving end of one of the biggest Champions League shocks this season, when they lost at home to FC Zurich. They finished four points behind Group Winners Real Madrid, but beat the Spanish giants in Madrid, before earning themselves a draw back on home turf. The draw against Madrid was the first in a line of three drawn matches to round out their campaign, with the other two ties coming against Zurich and Marseille. They only managed to score eight goals during the campaign, and bearing in mind the increasing rate of Manchester United’s success in the Premier League, one wonders if that return will be enough.

They currently stand in third in Serie A, 9 points back of Inter and 2 behind second placed Roma, although Milan have a game in hand over both of those above them. The two nil defeat at the hands of their San Siro rivals was their first defeat in a long and impressive return to form, and remains their only loss in their last seven games. They have also been scoring quite freely, in stark contrast to their early season form, until a bit of a recent stutter up front. The Italians giants cannot be taken too lightly, not with being Champions of Europe 7 times in their history. Brazilian Ronaldinho, who has been left out of the Brazilian squad in the nation’s build up to the 2010 World Cup, has been on blistering form of late, and will be the one which the United defence will have to contain.

The reverse of that, is the Milan defence will need to find a way to stop one man goalscoring machine, Wayne Rooney, who is in the form of his life, and ranks amongst one of the best players in the world at the moment. Beckham has said, that for the first time in his life, he wants United to lose, but is looking forward to being reunited with the Old Trafford return leg. Milan will need to start strong and take full advantage of their defensive strengths at the San Siro. Manchester United had a relatively easy ride through their qualifying group and there appears not to be too much between the two sides involved in this Quarter Final. The two sides have come into contact twice before in the Champions League, with Milan winning out on both occasions. Their last match in Milan ended in a comfortable 3-0 win for the home side, and if they get their noses in front, it could be a much harder task for United to come back from, than many may think.

This is the glamour Champions League tie of the week, and one that could prove a fascinating tactical battle between two very good teams. With United going well near the top of the Premier League, and Milan a confident side, this will be a tie between two very confident and strong teams, each with a star of their own which they will be hoping will shine. United will have Rio Ferdinand available, as his ban is only domestic, but will still be without Nemanja Vidic for the fixture, and the experience of Ryan Giggs will be missing as he’s out of action for a month.

BETTING STATS

Head to Head (Champions League)
Milan 3, Man Utd 0
Man Utd 3, Milan 2
Milan 1, Man Utd 0
Man Utd 0, Milan 1

Last Five Match Goals (domestic)
AC Milan: 4 For, 6 Against
Man Utd: 16 For, 3 Against

Last 10 Form (domestic)
AC Milan: W5, D2, L3
Man Utd: W6, D2, L2

Win Percentage:
AC Milan have a 52.9 win percentage at home
Man Utd have a 61.1 win percentage away from home

Match Prices:
AC Milan to win: 17/10 at Paddy Power
Draw: 11/5 at Totesport
Man Utd to win: 15/8 at Bet365

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: Looking at the stats, it should be a match that United would win, but the Champions League brings a different environment and a different level of opposition. Granted AC Milan haven’t been outstanding, but have a long pedigree in the tournament, and in front of expectant fans, probably won’t be easy for Man Utd to break down. Clearly Man Utd cannot afford to have one of their aberrations which they have suffered this season, as they will get punished. They key factor is how much AC Milan can get over their hump after losing a crucial game in their Serie A title hunt. A few weeks ago, Milan could have been going into this match as strong favourites, now it should be a very close contest.
AC Milan 0 Asian Handicap: 41/40 at Bet365