UCL RD-16: 2nd Leg - Milan Vs. Arsenal

**Haroon** · 3rd March 2008, 17:36

First Leg: 0-0
Ashburton Grove, London - ENGLAND

Second Leg
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Stadio San Siro, Milano - ITALIA

This is a tough one. Seedorf is out so a black-out is not possible and I wanted a total black-out in the San Siro to knock the wind out of Arsenal's sails. It's a tough one and the pressure will be extremely high. Out of our 0-0 first leg draws against Ajax and Celtic, this is the toughest one. We scraped through those games so I expect it no different this time. I don't think we will lose unless we self-destruct in extraordinary fashion but a scoring draw is very much on the cards.

It will be enough to take the Gooners through. Right now, I think they have a slight edge going into this tie due to the absence of Seedorf. Our midfield shape will change and there lies the troublesome part unless Pato falls back a bit and plays alongside Kaka while Pippo takes the top of the X-Mas tree position.

I don't have a particularly optimistic feeling about this right now as we will have to start well and remain totally focused to see this one through.

**Danny** · 3rd March 2008, 19:12

After the first leg I have to say I consider Arsenal favourites. All they need is one goal then we MUST win on the night.

And after 'that' display against Lazio, admittedly with a shadow team, you really have to wonder where our inspiration will come from.

The tree, which has served us so well in Europe, is surely out in Seedorf's absence, and one wonders what Carlo will concoct.

Arsenal have basically got nothing to lose - they will attack and quite honestly they're as good as anyone when they do.

This will be tough, very, very tough.

**fillipo** · 3rd March 2008, 21:10

a black out is the last thing i'm thinking of, i mainly focus on a game where we'll be under pressure 90 min long. But thanks to kalac and pipo we'll win. Sleazy, sneaky give it a name, who cares.. get though this round and there will be light in this dark period.. win this game and the teams hope, motivation and mental form will increase incredible. So please let us win this game.... Forza milan

unfortunatly i can't see this game since i'll be in a plane for 14 hours tomorrow.

that's a real bummer.

**Yasser** · 3rd March 2008, 22:57

I'm extemly worried and totally in agreement with Danny's post.

**Filipez** · 4th March 2008, 06:35

Milan: 16 Kalac, 44 Oddo, 13 Nesta, 4 Kaladze, 3 Maldini, 8 Gattuso, 21 Pirlo, 23 Ambrosini, 22 Kakà, 9 Inzaghi, 7 Pato.
All.: Ancelotti.

Arsenal: 24 Almunia, 3 Sagna, 6 Senderos, 10 Gallas, 22 Clichy, 27 Ebouè, 16 Flamini, 4 Fabregas, 2 Diaby, 13 Hleb, 25 Adebayor.
All.: Wenger.

**Haroon** · 4th March 2008, 06:52

Originally Posted by Filipez

Milan: 16 Kalac, 44 Oddo, 13 Nesta, 4 Kaladze, 3 Maldini, 8 Gattuso, 21 Pirlo, 23 Ambrosini, 22 Kakà, 9 Inzaghi, 7 Pato.
All.: Ancelotti.

Arsenal: 24 Almunia, 3 Sagna, 6 Senderos, 10 Gallas, 22 Clichy, 27 Ebouè, 16 Flamini, 4 Fabregas, 2 Diaby, 13 Hleb, 25 Adebayor.
All.: Wenger.

You're scaring me Filipez!

It seems like we are playing a 4-3-1-2 while Arsenal will play a 4-5-1.

Our record in that scenario is poor. We can get owned.

I want Pato to float behind a loan striker (Pippo) because 2 up front makes our midfield uncreative and shallow.

We must persist with the tree to maintain balance in the shape of our midfield. We don't do well against a 5 man midfield especially if we have 4 (diamond or even flat four) in our midfield. I hope Ancelotti knows this.

Seems like it's gonna be one long day today.

**Gurre** · 4th March 2008, 07:45

I am pretty sure Ancelotti has made his homework tactically-wise.

Obviously, it will be tough, we knew that in December, but I was confident before Seedorf's absence and quite frankly I don't think Clyde is the balance between victory and a goal-draw/defeat. He is vital to the team, but not that vital.

And don't forget, it's only the first knockout stage. Seedorf usually doesn't wake up until QF!