Manchester United vs AC Milan
Two of the European greats are set to meet twice in a week at two of the great cathedrals of football.
Ahead of these contests, the only disappointment is that no fans will be able to watch either of the two last-16 Europa League ties in person.
However, the prospect of the Red Devils locking horns with the Rossoneri on the next two Thursdays remains a mouth-watering one.
Talking Points
The Red Devils cruised past Real Sociedad to reach this stage of the competition, while Italian giants Milan beat Red Star Belgrade thanks to the away goals rule last month.
One man who is unlikely to return is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But for injury, he would have been granted a hero’s welcome (even without spectators) for his achievements during 18 months at Old Trafford in 2016 and 2017 when he helped them lift this trophy – although he was missing from the semi-finals and final through injury.
One team-mate he helped so much during that period could also be missing from the United line-up as Marcus Rashford is nursing an ankle injury.
If Edinson Cavani also fails to shake off a knock, it will mean the tie is shorn of arguably its three biggest household attacking names.
Likewise, one-time Juventus man Paul Pogba will be absent for the hosts along with their signing from Ajax last summer, Donny van de Beek.
Most of the other regular starters are expected to be in the respective sides for a meeting between two European superpowers.
Amazingly, Diogo Dalot is eligible to play against his parent club, despite being on loan in Milan from United.
That ridiculous rule came back to haunt Barcelona last season in the shape of Philppe Coutinho.
For Milan, coach Stefano Pioli hopes Theo Hernandez can recover from a knock, although it seems Ante Rebic and Hakan Calhanolgu will continue their recovery back in Italy.
Regardless of the number of Europa League highlights we witness during the next week, don’t be surprised if there is at least one penalty over the course of the tie.
The two sides have been awarded 34 penalties combined this season with Milan having 20 attempts from the spot and United awarded 14 so far. The law of averages suggests there will be at least one more.
History
What a history between these two clubs – and the respect is clear also.
What may surprise you is that in their 10 meetings there has never been a draw with both clubs amassing five victors each.
The very first meeting took place in May 1958 when United welcomed the Italians to Old Trafford in the semi-finals of European Cup.
Amazingly, despite the side being ripped apart by the tragedy of the Munich air disaster three months earlier, a patched-up United managed to win the first leg 2-1 as Ernie Taylor and Dennis Violett scored the goals.
There was to be no fairytale, however, as Milan won the second leg 4-0.
The most recent meeting came in the last 16 of the Champions League in 2010 when United won 3-2 in the San Siro before romping to a 4-0 victory in the second leg as Wayne Rooney (two), Park Ji Sung and Darren Fletcher were on target.
This will be their first ever meeting in Europe’s secondary club competition.
Betting Tip
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Manchester United vs AC Milan | Over 2.75 @ 2.09 |
| March 12, 01:55 (GMT+8) |
Considering both these sides are in second places in their respective leagues, the SBOTOP Europa League betting odds are pretty one-sided.
On saying that, Manchester United are coming off the back of an impressive win in the Manchester derby on Sunday – a match in which they upset the form book and impressed many onlookers.
While that was going on, AC Milan were keeping alive their faint hopes of the Serie A title by triumphing at Verona.
The home team can be tipped 1X2 @ 1.66 with Milan priced @ 4.70 and the draw @ 3.75.
With Asian Handicap odds, you can bet on United -1.00 @ 2.25 or the visitors +0.50 @ 2.33.
A repeat of their last competitive clash seems highly unlikely but if you are brave, then correct score 4-0 will earn you a payday @ 32.00.
Those who fancy the Italians to travel well may consider AC Milan or Draw @ 2.10 in one of the Double Chance offerings.
Milan are seven-times European champions but since the last of those successes, in 2007, they have a poor record against English clubs in last-16 ties. They have lost to Arsenal (2008), United (2010) and Tottenham Hotspur (2011) in the Champions League, and Arsenal again (2018) in the Europa League, although they did beat the Gunners in the last 16 of the Champions League in 2012.
I do expect some goals in this one and my *** prediction is 2.75 goals @ 2.09.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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