AC Milan vs Arsenal: Team News, Likely Line-up & Predicted Score

The Champions League is back Gooners! Tonight is the first leg of our Champions League tie with European heavy-weight AC Milan and it promises to be an exciting game at the San Siro.

I’m really looking forward to this one. You can’t beat a Champions League game against one of the big-boys. It’s a real chance to prove our doubters wrong and build upon our recent mini revival.

The game is also going to be Thierry Heny’s final match before he return to the NYRB. Henry has certainly had a positive impact during his short time back in North London.

Thierry has played about 146 minutes of football for Arsenal during his loan spell but that has resulted in 3 goals, including 2 match winners. That is an amazing record, even for someone like Henry! Lets hope he signs off with another memorable display this evening.

Team News

Unfortunately, AC Milan are able to welcome back several first team players for the game. They were missing 13 players at the weekend but a Alessandro Nesta, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Matthieu Flamini, Christian Abbiati and Mario Yepes are all in-line to return after injury, while key striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also available as was serving a domestic ban.

The only real injury news for Arsenal is that the gentle giant Per Mertesacker is ruled out with a nasty ankle injury, that is likely to keep him on the sidelines for at least a month. Per posted an image of the injury on his Facebook page, you can see it here.

Kieran Gibbs is almost certain to return at left back with Vermaelen moving back to his more natural central role. I would like to see Rosicky retain his place in the side as he’s been impressive in recent games. Despite his goal at the weekend, Ramsey should miss out.

I’m hoping Wenger has the balls to start Oxlade-Chamberlain despite the magnitude of this game and his relative inexperience. He has certainly shown he can handle himself and he can cause the Milan back line all sorts of problems on the giant San Siro pitch tonight.

Likely Line-up

 

Predicted Score

This is a tough one to call. Many claim that AC Milan are an ageing side that are there for the taking. But the fact remains that they are still top of Serie A, so they can’t be that bad can they?!

Walcott and Chamberlain could be key to the game, as their pace down the wings will cause Milan problems if used effectively. Get the ball in behind the full backs for the pair to run on to and we’re laughing. But AC have some firepower of their own, and Ibrahimovic is due a performance against an English side. Lets just hope it doesn’t come tonight.

A score draw would be a very good result here, and i can see us securing a 1-1 draw to take back to the Grove.  AC Milan 1-1 Arsenal.

We’ll have the goals up shortly after the final whistle so check back later!

What’s your prediction for the game? Please leave your opinions in the comments section below…