AC Milan vs Arsenal: Gunners Will Fall Short in Champions League Clash

AC Milan has just enough working in its favor to pull out a win against Arsenal in their Champions League Round of 16 clash. 

The two squads are similar in that they haven't been playing exceptionally well, but have both peaked over the last few matches. When that happens, you have to start looking at the little things to see who has the advantage. That all works in AC's favor. 

Let's start with the location of the match, Giuseppe Meazza.

The success that Arsenal has enjoyed over their last several matches has come at home. Prior to their last win, a 2-1 effort against a bland Sunderland squad, their last win away from home came in December against Aston Villa. 

That doesn't come anywhere near giving me enough confidence that they can pull this win off away from Emirates Stadium. In reality, their best hope is to keep this match close in hopes that they can convincingly win the rematch and take the overall series based on aggregate. 

The other thing that AC has working in its favor is a little more offensive balance.

Robin Van Persie is the most prolific scorer in the match, but the Gunners don't have a lot of punch outside of RVP. They also really lack the ability to set up a play with the exception of Van Perise. 

That leads to a pretty simple formula for AC.

Put men on Van Persie and make the other Gunners win the match.

It isn't going to happen. RVP won't be completely shut down and thinking he will would be foolish, but the team doesn't have the punch to hang with AC, not on the road. 

AC Milan has players like Antonio Cassano and Alberto Aquilani to set up their leading scorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

If Arsenal focuses on Ibrahimovic, then Antonio Nocerino will roam too free and will deposit the ball in the back of the net. 

There is just too much working in AC Milan's favor here.

These two squads are eerily similar on a grand scale but breaking down the little things, the advantage lies with the home squad. 

Prediction: AC Milan 2, Arsenal 1

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