The biggest match of the week without a doubt has to be the Milan-Arsenal fixture tonight. With both clubs looking to bag all points on offer and secure an advantage heading into the last leg, tension is starting to creep up on the players and coaches as well.
According to Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, their biggest threat to a quarter final berth is Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ibra managed to score both goals in Barca’s quarter final triumph over Arsenal in 2010 and Wenger believes that his current impressive form which has seen him net 15 goals in 19 appearances will play a big part in tonight’s fixture.
“He is a great player,” Wenger told the club’s official website.
“If you look at his record, at what he has won, he has his own personality based on a strong belief in himself.
“That is a quality at the top level that can sometimes be seen as over-confidence but I don’t think he is because he turns up with performances in the big games. That’s why I believe he was at the Arsenal training ground before his career. Before he moved to Ajax we were interested in him, and he made a great career.”
However, Arsenal are not the only one’s who are nervous. Milan defender Thiago Silva has expressed his concern over danger man Robin Van Persie revealing that it will be hard to try and contain the striker.
Speaking to UEFA .com Silva was quoted as saying that there was no room for mistakes.
“If you do something wrong at home, you’re out,” Silva said.
“Arsenal are a great team. We must watch out for the quality of all their players. Over 180 minutes, if you do something wrong in the home leg you’re out. This will be a match full of quality and I hope we manage to impose our style of football and go through.”
When it comes to the Champions League, Milan’s pedigree always pushes them forward. They are one of the few sides who tend to do better in Europe than they do at home. That said, it won’t be a walk in the park for either side.
My prediction 2-0 in favour of Milan. Of course, anything can happen, however my bet is on the Rossoneri. Who is yours on?
Photo Credit © al7n6awi