Arsenal v AC Milan Betting Preview – UEFA Europa League 15th March 8.05pm
The Gunners went to the San Siro in the first leg, under some pressure and as underdogs as well against a Milan side who were in great form. But it was Arsenal who impressed the most on the night and the Gunners got themselves a fantastic 2-0 away win in Italy to put themselves well on top in this round of sixteen tie. AC Milan have a terrible record in England, so Arsenal have a great chance of closing this out.
Arsenal News and Form
The Gunners hold a good advantage in this round of sixteen tie then after a strong performance at the San Siro. However, this is Arsenal and there is plenty of reason to curtail optimism about them this season. For example in their last European home match, they suffered a 2-1 loss against Swedish minnows Ostersunds in the last round, having churned out a terrible performance. That defeat snapped an unbeaten eight-match sequence that they were on at home in UEFA Cup/Europa League matches (W6 D2). The loss also means that Arsenal have lost each of their last six European home games in spring action, shipping 17 goals in the sequence. On top of that in each of the last seven seasons, they have exited Europe at the round of sixteen stage. However, their last home win in Europe in the spring was against AC Milan in their 2011/12 clash against them in the round of sixteen. Arsenal will have to come under some pressure at some point in this contest, so both teams to score at William Hill is an option at 13/20 odds* (Betting Odds taken at 4:25 p.m. on March 13th, 2018). The Gunners have won 14 away first legs in UEFA competition and qualified on each occasion, and on each of the five occasions they won the first leg 2-0 away from home, they won the home leg too. Arsenal’s record against Italian opposition is W16 D8 D8 (W9 D4 L2 at home).
AC Milan News and Form
There is an uphill battle ahead for AC Milan now then. History isn’t on their side at all as seven times before in Europe they have lost the first leg at home in a UEFA tie and have managed to qualify from such a situation just once. AC Milan were unbeaten over their first nine games in Europe this season, winning their first six before that sequence was snapped with a loss on match day six group stage at Rijeka. Overall on the road this season in Europe they are W4 D1 L1 with ten goals scored and one conceded. In the William Hill correct score market an Arsenal 2-1 at 15/2 odds* (Betting Odds taken at 4:25 p.m. on March 13th, 2018) does have a fair amount of appeal. Their win at Ludogorets in the last round ended a nine-match winless run in Europe that they on in springtime action. The Rossoneri’s overall record against English clubs in UEFA competition is W11 D11 L13 and in England itself that is a poor W1 D6 L9. They are going to have to pull out something special therefore to get themselves to the next round. A penalty shootout could offer them something if they could get there as AC Milan are W4 L1 in previous UEFA penalty shoot outs. Arsenal are W2 L2.
Arsenal v AC Milan Head to Head
There have been seven games between these two clubs now following the first leg of this season’s tie. The first time they met was in the 1995 UEFA Super Cup which AC Milan won 2-0 on aggregate and then it was a long wait until the 2007/08 season of the Champions League before coming together again, with Arsenal taking a 2-0 aggregate win (0-0 home, 2-0 away) in the round of sixteen. The two were paired up again in the 2011/12 season at the same stage, this time AC Milan coming out on top with a 4-3 aggregate success.
Arsenal v AC Milan Betting Odds*
Arsenal 21/10, AC Milan 5/2, Draw 5/1* (Betting Odds taken at 4:25 p.m. on March 13th, 2018)
Arsenal v AC Milan Predictions
Arsenal have been strong at home this season and look value to get this tie done. It would be a major disappointment if they blew it from holding this kind of advantage. As AC Milan do have to create some pressure, look for both teams to score but for Arsenal to still land the win.
