Milan vs Arsenal Betting Preview
March 7, 2018Kick-off: Thursday, March 8 @6:00 PM GMT
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (Milano)
Head to head record
Arsenal vs Milan 3-0 (2011/2012 Champions League)
Milan vs Arsenal 4-0 (2011/2012 Champions League)
Arsenal vs Milan 1-1 (2010 Club Friendly)
Milan vs Arsenal 0-2 (2008/2009 Champions League)
Arsenal vs Milan 0-0 (2008/2009 Champions League)
Milan vs Arsenal prediction
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza will host Thursday’s Europa League derby between Milan and Arsenal. The Rossoneri have been in a fine form in the Serie A of late, but they face an uphill task in the game against the Premier League side.
Rossoneri impressive at the back
Milan are no longer considered European giants, but they have big ambitions for the 2017/2018 Europa League campaign. Genaro Gattuso’s men were struggling in the first half of the season, but they have been producing splendid performances in all competitions of late. Milan are undefeated in previous 13 games and they have been impressive at the back, with the team keeping a clean sheet in each of their previous six games in all competitions. The Serie A side are likely to rely on their rock-solid defence led by Leonardo Bonucci in the remainder of the season and there is every chance they will adopt a defence-minded approach against Milan. Fabio Borini found the net in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ludogorets, meaning that the opposition defenders should have him at bay. Italian rising star Patrick Cutrone is likely to lead the line for the hosts.
The likes of Andrea Conti and Ignazio Abate are both sidelined with injury, but coach Genaro Gattuso has no other fresh injury worries ahead of the visit of Arsenal.
Alarming situation at Emirates Stadium
Arsenal have been having their ups and downs this season and, as things stand now, they will not regain their spot in the Champions League. Fans are angry with coach Arsene Wenger, who has not won the Premier League title with the Gunners since 2004. The capital club do not seem to be on top of their game ahead of the trip to Italy, with the team suffering a loss in each of their previous four league fixtures, but the game against Milan could be the turning point for the Premier League side. January signings Henrikh Mikhtaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have yet to adapt to the new surroundings, but given the quality of English football, Arsenal are definitely capable of spoiling the Rossoneri’s party at “San Siro”. In their last meeting in a competitive match the Gunners recorded a 3-0 win over Milan, which is certainly giving Arsenal fans a reason for optimism ahead of the first leg. As always, one of the men to watch in the away team will be Germany international Mesut Ozil.
The likes of Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla and Alexandre Lacazette are all sidelined with injury, but there are no suspended players in the away side.
Interesting Facts
- Milan failed to score in three of their last five meetings with Arsenal
- Rossoneri are eyeing their seventh consecutive clean sheet
- Over 2.5 goals were scored in each of Arsenal’s last three games in EL
- Aubameyang has netted only two goals for Arsenal to date
- Genaro Gattuso’s men recorded five wins in last six home games
Milan vs Arsenal betting pick
Milan and Arsenal seem to be evenly matched ahead of Thursday’s Europa League game. The Rossoneri are tough to beat at home, but seeing that the Gunners aim to save the season by winning the Europa League, there is every chance the two teams will share the spoils at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Pick: Draw
Odds: 12/5