Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
With a Champions League quarter-final ticket still firmly up for grabs on Wednesday night, Tottenham will welcome AC Milan to north London.
Tottenham
Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might have signed off February with a much-needed boost, Spurs have come crashing back down to earth in some style over the past week. Shockingly crashing out of this season’s FA Cup following a 1-0 loss away at Championship outfit Sheffield United, Antonio Conte’s side were last seen over the weekend putting in another downbeat display. Eventually suffering another 1-0 defeat at the hands of relegation scrappers Wolves, the one-time Chelsea boss will know that his side face a real uphill battle on Wednesday night. Although the Premier League heavyweights might be glad to make a return to north London in midweek, Spurs were hit with a first-leg 1-0 loss when they made the trip to the San Siro on February 14th. With Conte coming under increasing scrutiny in the capital, it should also be highlighted that Tottenham have lost four of their last six matchups across all formats.
Team News
Dealing with what has been a star-studded injury list, Tottenham will once again be without the likes of Hugo Loris, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Ryan Sessegnon on Wednesday night.
Although Harry Kane might have recorded just a single strike in his last six domestic appearances, the England skipper will lead Conte’s Champions League charge here. Emerson Royal could replace January arrival Pedro Porro at right wing-back.
AC Milan
As for the visitors, while AC Milan might have found themselves enjoying an eye-catching flurry over the past month, Stefano Pioli’s side are coming off the back of a worrying display on the road. Watching their four-match winning run come to an abrupt end as they slumped to a 2-1 loss away at Fiorentina, the Rossoneri will be seeking an immediate response on Wednesday night. However, although the Italian giants might have already accepted that they will lose their Serie A crown in 2023, Pioli’s men should be confident of springing a major Champions League upset in north London. Nevertheless, despite claiming a first-leg 1-0 victory when they welcomed Tottenham to the San Siro on February 14th, AC Milan have shown some extended issues on their travels. In fact, the reigning Italian champions have recorded just a single victory from their previous six showdowns on the road – a run that stems all the way back to January 4th.
Team News
Although Rade Krunic might have served a domestic suspension in last weekend’s 2-1 loss against Fiorentina, the 29-year-old should make a full return on Wednesday night.
Likewise, also missing out over the weekend due to a one-match ban, attacking talisman Rafael Leao will spearhead AC Milan’s attack in north London. However, ex-Manchester City starlet Brahim Diaz will miss out due to a knee issue.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides met for their first-leg meeting on February 14th, AC Milan picked up a deserved 1-0 victory at the San Siro.
- Including that Champions League defeat on Valentine’s Day, Tottenham have lost four of their last six matchups across all formats.
- Just one of Spurs’ last nine appearances across all competitions have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Last weekend’s 2-1 loss away at Fiorentina brought an end to AC Milan’s four-match winning run.
- Likewise, the defending Serie A champions have recorded just a single victory from their previous six appearances away from the San Siro.
Conclusion
Hit with a first-leg 1-0 loss when they made the trip out to Milan on Valentine’s Day, Tottenham will be more than aware that they face an uphill challenge on Wednesday night. Although the Rossoneri might have seen their four-match winning run come to an abrupt end away at Fiorentina over the weekend, they are sat in pole position to claim a real Champions League scalp in north London. With Spurs now drawing back-to-back blanks, neutrals could be treated to a cagey affair here. It should be noted, with just one of Tottenham’s last nine appearances across all competitions finishing with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting chances to come at a premium.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
