Serie A leaders Milan resume their Champions League campaign with a match against high-flying Tottenham and this promises to be one of the most exciting clashes on the last 16 stage. Both teams enter the match high on confidence after winning their weekend’s games, but Milan are still considered the favourites in this tie.

Milan flying high

Milan have been thoroughly impressive this season and the Rossoneri are hot favourites to win the Serie title, and they owe it all to some excellent dealings in the transfer market. After brining talented coach Maxi Allegri to the bench, the Rossoneri signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho last summer, with the trio soon becoming integral part of team’s quest for success. Milan played extremely well during the first part of the season despite missing quite a few players through injuries and when January came club owners made sure the team were reinforced even further, having signed Antonio Cassano, Mark van Bommel and Urby Emanuelson among others. Despite being in a very good form at the moment, the Rossoneri could face a tough time against Tottenham as they will be without several key players, so everything suggests we will see a very close game.

January signings Antonio Cassano, Mark van Bommel and Urby Emanuelson are all ineligible, while Gianluca Zambrotta and Andrea Pirlo continue to miss out.

No Gareth Bale

After overseeing Tottenham’s first ever top 4 finish, Harry Redknapp led Spurs to new heights this season, with their Champions League campaign in which they topped the group that also consisted of Inter, Werder and Twente the highlight of the season. Thanks to some impressive showings in the Premiership Spurs look destined for another top 4 finish, while nobody would dare to predict how far they can go in Europe. The two games against Milan will be a real test for Harry Redknapp’s side but after beating sides like Inter, Werder, Arsenal and Liverpool this term, Spurs have no reason to fear the Rossoneri. One thing’s for sure, Tottenham will not back down at San Siro but will rather try to hurt the hosts and they definitely have enough attacking potential to do so.

Gareth Bale is definitely out of this clash, while Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart should be fit to play. Jermaine Jenas is out through suspension, whereas Ledley King, Younes Kaboul and Tom Huddlestone remain sidelined.

Verdict

With players like Pato, Ibrahimovic and Robinho up front, Milan should be able to score at least one goal against Tottenham, although the Rossoneri are unlikely to keep a clean sheet against one of the best attacking sides in the Premiership. Therefore, my advice is to back both teams to score.

Our prediction: Both teams to score

Odds: 1.83 (5/6)

Bookmaker: 888Sport