Nice thread OP. I've been saying for ages, Ibra is one of the most overrated strikers ever. I'm not saying he isn't any good but his career has been fortunate (bar going to Barca). He was with Inter while they were dominant, with a good Barca team but he just didn't fit their system (nor did he get on with the manager) and he returned to Serie A to a half decent AC Milan side (although they got knocked out by the Spuds in the CL), who won the league. Alot of thier first teamers are just returning so I honestly expect us to win. Man for man, they are obviously better but as a team we can take them on. I expect us to win at their ground. We're very fortunate to play the first leg away. We're very strong at home in CL. If we nick a few goals and set-up shop in the return leg, we can advance to the quater finals comfortably.
Is this the same ibrahimovic who never scores in big games? And the same van Persie who has a habit of scoring important goals?
Kevin Prince Boateng is back for Milan. http://english.gazzetta.it/Football...to-break-the-british-taboo-81328891307.shtml?
I would honestly start with Arshavin over Oxo. We can bring Oxo on as an impact sub once we tire AC Milan down. I know most people would disagree but I'd be shocked if Arsene doesn't start with Arshavin and he also has good experience as well. Plus, we have a tough cup tie against Sunderland this weekend to think about and I'm sure he'll start Oxo in that game.
Most of them on the AC Milan forums think English fans are arrogant and loud mouthed, and know nothing about football. They do honestly believe that Ibrahimovic is a cut above RVP right now despite playing in a vastly inferior and slower paced league Even in Spain they don't play at the same tempo as they do in England.
I'd start with Oxo over arshavin for his energy and greater work ethic. I'd also give Coquelin a run at LB with Vermalen and Koscielney in the middle (although i think Wenger will bring in Djourou and play Vermaelen at LB)
I have a feeling that Walcott will be extremely important in this match, when teams play high lines (chelsea 2011, barcelona 2011 and 2010 etc) he has the potential to be a match winner for us. Just have to hope that he is confident enough to take advantage of the situation on wednesday.
Why bring Djourou in? Wenger would be nuts to bring him over Vermaelen as CB. He's been our poorest defender this season. I'd much rather have Coqs/Gibbs, Verm, Kos, Sagna back. You have to deserve the right to play, there is no room for sentiment!!! Also Arshavin has not warranted a start over OXO at all. Agreed, OXO bring much needed energy, pace and enthusiasm to the left wing play. However, Arshavin could be useful if Milan gives us space.... RVF - agreed, Walcott will hold the key to unlocking Milans defence. Let's hope that RVP can keep up with his surging runs!!!
You should beat them. They are alot weaker the last year against Spurs and in 2010 when Man Utd beat them. Thay lost there best player Pirlo.
Milan are considerably stronger than last year actually. They score more goals with Cassano, Robinho, Pato and Ibrahimovic playing for them.
I know you're not, im just bemused if Wenger does this. We'll be up against a potent attacking force so need our best CB's on display and Verm and Kos are those. They are very good defenders against skillful on the desk players and with Sagna, Song and Arteta, i have high hopes we will cope.
they have a fast and good attack, but in defence the are VERY slow and the pace of walcott, van Persie and chamberlain should see us get a few goals.
I'm pretty sure Thiago Silva and Abate aren't slow, Nesta is however, but don't think that we can get in the back of them THAT easily.
i remember from the draw, a few ac milan fans were saying how they're defence is realy slow, and abate cud get wrecked by walcott
Abate is the right back and he is pretty fast himself. I think the Milan fan thought Luca Antonini if he plays would get destroyed by the pace of Walcott. Antonini is the left back but he is not first choice at the moment. Reading the Milan forums they have some bloke called Djamel Mesbah at left back.
