Thursday 15th March 2018 Kick off 2005hrs Arsenal v AC Milan Football – Europe – Europa League A few years ago this game would not have looked out of place in the latter stages of the Champions League but it’s indicative of where both Arsenal and AC Milan are at the moment that they face off in the lesser of the European competition. Arsenal took a huge step towards the quarter finals with a 2-0 win in the San Siro last week and whist massive favourites to progress, they only have to look at their last round tie with Swedish outfit Ostersunds to realise the job is only half done. For Milan, they simply have to be a lot better to have any chance of a comeback.
Having dropped to sixth in the league and a full 12 points behind fourth placed Liverpool, Arsenal’s best hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League is by winning this year’s Europa League. It’s a route that served Manchester United so well in the last campaign but there is little doubt that the level of competition is much higher this time around. Arsenal can now dedicate themselves to prolonging their participation in the Europa League having been eliminated from all of the domestic cups as well now, and it looked to have been a massive benefit for them in the first leg in Italy last Thursday. Goals from Henrikh Mkhtiaryan – his first for the club – and Aaron Ramsey had the Gunners in cruise control at half time and in truth, it could have been even more for the visitors. They then managed the game well in the second half to ensure they returned without conceding a goal. It would take an almighty collapse for them not to take their place in the last eight but as their 2-1 home defeat in the last round proved, Arsenal are more than capable of giving their supporters a scare.
AC Milan are a club steeped in history and glory when it comes to European competition and their supporters would have hoped that last year’s takeover would be the start of returning to that level once again after a period in the wilderness. Unfortunately, apart from a few big wins and reaching the final of the Coppa Italia, it appears to be more of the same. Vincenzo Montella was sacked and replaced with Rino Gattuso and although they have seen some improvement, Milan continue to lurk behind the other big clubs in Serie A. They sit sixth at the moment, five points behind rivals Inter and a further point adrift of the fourth and final Champions League spot. Their task to qualify for the Champions League via the domestic route would appear more straightforward, although unlikely, and that may yet be their best option considering the performance they turned in last week. Hope was high following reaching the Coppa Italia final and also defeating Roma 2-0 away from home in Serie A. The defeat last week was their first in 15 games but it could be a very costly one. Although it is an uphill task, they know they do not have to go all out attack and know a 2-0 win will take them to extra time.
Arsenal v AC Milan Betting Tip
During the group stage of the Europa League – and even against the Swedish minnows in the last round – Arsene Wenger used a number of his fringe players. Due to their poor results in the league and falling well behind in the race for the top four, the stakes have been upped somewhat and being drawn against a name like AC Milan meant all the big guns were called upon in the first leg. The performance was one of the best of the season and it has set them up perfectly to make the best round. AC Milan will have to find something special to change the course of this tie but the recent 2-0 win away to Roma – who have qualified for the quarter final stage of the Champions League – demonstrate they are capable of turning in such a performance.
One thing that has been consistent about Arsenal’s season is their strong form at the Emirates. Recent defeats to Ostersunds and Manchester City shoud not detract from the fact they have been good more often than not when playing at home. The City defeat was only their second reverse at home in the league this season whilst they were unbeaten before losing last time out in this competition. Milan have been very good on the road in recent weeks, though, with their last defeat coming back in December. They have won two, drawn one and lost one in the Europa League on their travels thus far, but will have to up their standard if they are to turn this one around. Goals have come easier in Europe than in Serie A and they will have to be more adventurous at some point in this one so select both teams to score as Arsenal often give their opponents plenty of chances but will relish any space in behind when Milan do go forward.
Both teams to score 7/11 @ Unibet
