The hectic Premier League schedule finally took a break this weekend and provided Sir Alex Ferguson with an opportunity to watch
AC Milan face Udinese in the Coppa Italia on Friday. Despite a series of lackluster performances, the Italian giants seemed to consider this match a warmup for Tuesday's Champions League fixture against United.
Ronaldinho showed what he is capable of by assisting twice and new signing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted twice as AC Milan won 3-2.
Despite this success, Milan have been struggling of late and will view the Champions League as their last chance at silverware this season. Sitting in 3rd place domestically and 9 points behind city rivals Internazionale, Milan may feel that the Scudetto is out of reach for them. They have done better in Champions League play as many pundits picked Marseille and
Real Madrid to go through to the round of 16. Milan rose to the occasion several times to see themselves finish just behind Real Madrid in Group C.
While most players are at full fitness, Brazilian manager
Leonardo will be without the services of some influential players. Gianluca Zambrotta, Massimo Oddo and Luca Antonini have all been ruled out while striker Marco Borriello is doubtful. The Rossoneri will receive a boost by the presence of United veteran
David Beckham, who will be playing against his former club for the first time since leaving in 2003. Despite being used primarily as a late substitute recently, the English international should see plenty of action in this match.
The last time Ferguson faced Milan at the San Siro was in 2007, where his team would ultimately lose 3-0 in a match dominated by the home side. He will not take any chances this time as he looks set to deploy a 4-5-1 formation in Italy. United are being picked as the favorites after an incredible run of successes has put them just one point behind domestic leaders Chelsea. They have also won every away fixture in the Champions League this season.
Central to United's recent success has been the form of England striker
Wayne Rooney. The standalone striker has scored 23 goals this year, 7 of them coming from the last 5 matches. However, he has yet to score in Europe and will be eager to add to his tally as he starts as the lone striker against Milan.
Ryan Giggs recently broke his arm and will join John O'Shea and Owen Hargreaves in the list of those not travelling to Milan. The possible return of defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic could bolster United's defense.
Sir Alex looks set to adopt a defensive approach while Leonardo could opt for a more dynamic formation. The Brazilian manager will want to get as much done in the first leg as possible before the return visit to Old Trafford. Despite this, these matches are usually low scoring as there is so much at stake, so don't expect too many goals in this match.
AC Milan vs Manchester United
Tuesday February 16, 2010
Kickoff: 8:45 PM (CET)
Venue: San Siro (Milan)
Tip: Under 2.5 Goals
Best Odds: 1.57 @ 888Sport
