Champions League
2013-02-20 - AC Milan vs FC Barcelona
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Barcelona will aim to do what Bayern Munich did to Arsenal last night and that is show that the better team will prevail on the night rather then home advantage or even home crowd support.
Milan, who last won the European Cup in 2007, held Barca to a draw at Camp Nou in September 2011, they also drew the first leg of the last-eight clash before the Spanish league leaders went on to win the tie 3-1.
But this Milan team is only third in Serie A and have not impressed all season!
Allegri acknowledges that Barcelona are extremely dangerous when they are going forward and therefore will have to try to limit their possession. He also stressed that the team needs to have the conviction that they can go through to the next round and if luck is on their side they can make the quarter-finals.
It has to be said that Barcelona have been crowned European champions three times in the last seven seasons and are huge favourites to make the final, but forward Pedro was cautious ahead of the clashes with Milan.
He was quoted as saying that Milan have always been a difficult side because they have a lot of history and have dangerous players in their side. They have to be vigilant in defence. And upfront Messi will be dependant on to get the goals.
The Asian Handicap of -1 1/4 is at first glance seems rather high to clear on the part of Barcelona, However, it should be noted that Lionel Messi is capable of scoring goals in pairs and even hat-tricks.
When you take into account what happened yesterday where home advantage really did not come into play as in the case of Arsenal where the stronger team prevailed on the night, the same can be expected of Barcelona who will simply be too strong for Milan.
Team News :
AC Milan Team News :
Allegri is confident that Stephan El Shaarawy will be fit for the match tonight. The 20-year-old Italian has been struggling with a swollen knee tendon, but the good news is that Giampaolo Pazzini has overcome a thigh injury, but January signing Mario Balotelli is ineligible after playing for Manchester City in the group phase
Therefore, Allegri has confirmed his defence will consist of Kevin Constant, Cristian Zapata, Philippe Mexes and Ignazio Abate, while Riccardo Montolivo will start in midfield.
Barcelona Team News :
Barcelona have been boosted by Xavi's availability for the game after the midfielder's fitness was assessed in training on Monday. However, David Villa has been left behind as he continues to recover from kidney stones while Adriano has not travelled due to a hamstring injury.
Predictions :
Go for Barcelona to win and win well, and give the -1 1/4 ball handicap away.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Milan 1-3 Barcelona
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for Barcelona to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Take Barcelona and give the -1 1/4 ball away.
Take Barcelona and give the -1 1/4 ball away.
