Tottenham-Milan is a match valid for the return leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League and is played on Wednesday at 21:00: TV, formations, predictions.
Of the various milestones that marked Milan’s resurgence in February after a nightmarish January, the most important was undoubtedly the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Tottenham, which was decided by a Brahim Diaz goal in the seventh minute.
Thanks to an impeccable defensive performance, the Rossoneri, regenerated by the tactical revolution decided by Stefano Pioli – the coach from Emilia opted for a switch to three at the back with the aim of restoring solidity to a unit that had started to make water from all sides after the World Cup break – defeated Antonio Conte’s Spurs 1-0 at the San Siro. A more precious score than ever in the knockout phase, which allows the Diavolo to count on two results out of three in the complicated London away match. Kane and his team-mates, in fact, have no other choice: with a draw they would be eliminated, while by winning by just one goal they would drag the challenge to extra time and possibly penalties. But in the English capital, in addition to qualification, there is much more at stake. Milan and Tottenham are not exactly bursting at the seams, and their erratic performances in their respective leagues – both are now out of the title race – could jeopardise their participation in the next Champions League.
A lot of ups and downs for Rossoneri and Spurs
Surpassing the round and entering the club of the top eight in Europe, notwithstanding the financial benefits, would be a nice confidence boost ahead of the end of the season for two teams that do not give the impression they have solved all their problems. On the contrary.
Kane
The Milan team came out on top last Saturday night in Florence. After four wins in a row without conceding a goal, Pioli’s men – without Leao – took not one, but two steps backwards, reliving the terrible moments of January. Against the Viola we saw again a renouncing Milan, confused, that has been missing from the point of view of the game and that since the first minute has been at the mercy of Vincenzo Italiano’s team. The deficit could well have been wider for the reigning Italian champions and the final 2-1 does not give credit to the domination of the Tuscans. The setback meant Hernandez and his team-mates slipped down to fifth place, trailing Inter and overtaken by the two Romans. Last week was also a week of passion for Tottenham, who struggle to find continuity.
Spurs, without Conte on the bench – the coach has taken a break for health reasons and is expected to return with AC Milan – exited the FA Cup by surrendering 1-0 to a Championship team, Sheffield United, and in the Premier League they lost with the same result to Wolverhampton. They remain fourth, but are now breathing down the neck of Liverpool, who are only three points behind and still have a game to make up. Their four defeats in their last seven games have all come away from home.
Tottenham-Milan: latest line-up news
Repared to the first leg, Conte will have central midfielder Hojbjerg available, having been absent for a yellow card at the San Siro. He will be supported by Skipp, while Emerson Royal and former Inter player Perisic will act on the flanks. In defence, the disqualified Dier will be missing: in his place one of Davies and Sanchez. In the offensive trident, in addition to the untouchable Kane and Son, it will be the turn of the former Juventus player Kulusevski, with Richarlison ready to enter the game in progress.
On the other side, Pioli hopes Giroud can recover quickly from the flu attack that struck him after the Florence match. If the French striker will be available, behind him should be Brahim Diaz – absent against Fiorentina because of a sprain – and Leao. There is a ballot in midfield and on the right flank: Krunic is challenging Bennacer, while Messias and Saelemaekers are competing for a shirt. Behind the trio Kalulu-Thiaw-Tomori.
The prediction
Tottenham at home tend to transform, but more importantly to concede very few goals. At least that is what the last two months have told us, in which only Premier League leaders Arsenal have managed to get the better of Spurs at home. The statistics relating to Milan’s English outings, then, are certainly not comforting for Pioli: the Rossoneri have only won once in the twenty-one away trips made across the Channel. Conte’s side, who will not be as hamstrung as they were at the San Siro, should therefore avoid defeat in the 90th minute in a match where the pace is likely to pick up in the second half, which promises to be more prolific than the first.
The Tottenham-Milan likely line-ups
- TOTTENHAM (3-4-3): Forster; Romero, Lenglet, Davies; Emerson Royal, Skipp, Højbjerg, Perišić; Kulusevski, Kane, Son.
- MILAN (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Kalulu, Thiaw, Tomori; Saelemaekers, Tonali, Krunić, Hernández; Brahim Díaz, Leão; Giroud.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
