It’s back. And how good it feels, too. There’s nothing quite like the Champion League when it comes to football, and it’s all to play for in the last 16.
The tie of the night without doubt AC Milan v Spurs, and there is nothing between the two teams. Milan have taken advantage of Inter’s mid-season woes by streaking clear in Italy’s Serie A, which they still lead by 3 points having trashed Parma 4-0 at the weekend.
They’re also on a 10 match unbeaten run, not to mention they’re the joint top scorers and best defenders in Serie A. The undoubted highlight of the team is obviously the three pronged attack which contains Pato, Ibrahimovic and Robiniho, who has finally found form and consistency since moving to Italy.
That makes Milan sound like certainties but there isn’t a team in Europe that Tottenham can’t shake up and Milan do have an injury list they can take advantage of. For all that their attack is lethal, the absence of Andrea Pirlo will hurt them badly, as Luka Modric will play a big part in controlling the midfield.
Not only that, but Mark Van Bommel isn’t allowed to play, Kevin Price Boateng is injured and Thiago Silva (a defender by nature) is going to be in the centre of midfield behind Seedorf, a risky move in a game so big.
Tottenham however, may have the bigger blow to their squad in the loss of Greath Bale, who terrorised a far better left back than Oddo in Maicon both at the San Siro and Whit Hart Lane and his absence leaves it up to a more than able deputy in Aaron Lennon to go and hurt Milan down the wing.
To get to the point, it’s hard not to think that there won’t be goals and 11/10 about both teams to score may be one of the best of the tournament.
Spurs have been the great entertainers of the competition with all eight of their games, including the two qualifiers, going over 2.5 goals. In fact, seven of those eight have gone over 3.5 goals, with four of those games going over 4.5 goals. With both teams having such firepower and Milan especially being weak at the back (although William Gallas and Michael Dawson might not be the most natural of pairings at centre back) it’s hard not to resist those choices.
In the other game, VALENCIA have won 5 of their last 6 and despite having not won only four of their last 17 Champions League games, must be beating Schalke If they’re to be getting to the quarters here and surely they’ll create enough and go all out to beat the Superb Manuel Neuer.
Recommendations
Back both teams to score (11/10 Coral)
Back over 2.5 goals (10/11 Paddy Power)
Back over 3.5 goals (9/4 William Hill, Paddy Power, Betfred, Bet365)
Back Valencia to beat Schalke (8/11 Paddy Power, Boylesports, Betfred, Blue Sq)
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