Manchester United v AC Milan
Football: Europe, UEFA Champions League 2009/2010
Wednesday, 10th March 2010 - Kickoff 7:45pm

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Manchester United

Manchester United had more than 1 foot into the Quarter Finals of this competition 3 weeks ago when they held a 1-3 lead at the San Siro with a few minutes to spare. However, Clarence Seedorf reduced the deficit to 2-3 and a Cup tie remains.

United moved to the top of the Premier League courtesy of a 0-1 win at Wolves in a disappointing match that was not helped by a poor playing surface. Paul Scholes scored his 100th Premier League goal in that game as he remains an important figure at Old Trafford. United are 12-1-1 at home in the League, scoring 39 goals and conceding 8, but only had a 1-1-1 record during the Group stages here.

The Red Devils followed up their win at Milan with a heavy defeat at Everton, their only loss in the last 10 games in all competitions. They have also won their last 3 matches, conceding only 1 goal. United have won their last 5 matches at Old Trafford in all competitions, each by at least 2 goals, and have only conceded 1 goal in those games.

Wayne Rooney provided a big boost to United as he was passed fit after missing out on Saturday. Ryan Giggs remains out and is joined by Wes Brown. Michael Carrick serves a suspension. It is expected that United will start with their familiar 4-5-1 for this European tie.

AC Milan

Milan look to overturn a first leg deficit from a home leg for only the 2nd time in their history. They are fully focused in progressing thanks to the late goal from Seedorf in the first leg and have closed the gap on Inter Milan at home which will give them further confidence.

AC Milan are 2nd in Serie A and only 4 points behind their city rivals Inter as we enter the final stretch of the season. They have a solid 7-4-2 away record where they have scored 18 goals and conceded only 10. Further to that, Milan have also impressed away from home in the Champions League this season, recording wins at Marseille and Real Madrid in the group stages.

The Rosseneri bounced back from the defeat to United with 3 wins before gaining a 0-0 draw at Roma this weekend. They are unbeaten in their last 12 games away from the San Siro in all competitions (they have lost an 'away' game against Inter in that stretch) and have kept clean sheets in 4 of their last 5.

Massimo Oddo misses out for Milan but Alexander Pato looks like he may just make the team after missing the match on Saturday. Pato's inclusion is most likely to keep David Beckham on the bench tomorrow. Mathieu Flamini had a knock at the weekend but is in the squad.

Head to Head

Manchester United will look to overturn some recent history over Milan from the last decade by knocking the Italians out of this competition.

United won 3-2 the last time they entertained Milan at home in 2007 although Milan won 0-1 here in 2005.

United have won 12 away European knockout matches in the first leg, and gone on to progress every time.

Prediction

Manchester United took their time to get going at the San Siro but were then worthy winners, even with a few scares at the back. Defensively, they have reunited Ferdinand and Vidic and are likely to cause Milan many problems again tomorrow.

Milan have made this tie interesting with their late goal 3 weeks ago, but they are not the same side they were a few years ago and this is a mighty ask for the Italian team. They will cause some concerns, I am sure of that, but defensively look suspect to the pace and movement United will throw at them.

Although United do not have to win tomorrow night to progress, I think they will and we may see a similar result to their match with Inter last season. Defensively United are beginning to shape up, and I see them coming through with another win and clean sheet at Old Trafford.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Manchester United 2-0 AC Milan

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Manchester United WIN