CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING PICK - AC MILAN V REAL MADRID

Champions League

2009-11-03 - AC Milan vs Real Madrid

A Sports Betting Pick by Shady

AC Milan v Real Madrid
Football: Europe, UEFA Champions League
Tuesday, 3rd Movember 2009 - Kickoff 19:45

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Manuel Pellegrini job security in Madrid is fairly insecure after several poor performances by his side. Another defeat to Milan would definitely make matters worse as Madrid have already lost once to Milan a fortnight ago.

AC Milan (Italy)

To surprise everybody, since Milan defeated Madrid last month, Milan’s form has improved tremendously. Leonardo will be pretty pleased with the way his side is playing at the moment but I still believe A.C Milan are not as good as they used to be as this is an aging squad.

The weekend’s victory against Parma saw Milan moved up the league table to forth. The return of Marco Borriello to the squad adds extra fire-power to this ageing Milan squad who has been heavily relying on veteran Filippo Inzaghi and youngster Pato.

Leonardo is likely to start with a 4-4-2 formation. Dida will start in goal protected by Zambrotta, Luca Antonini, Kaladze and Nesta. In midfield, Pirlo and Gattuso is likely to start in a deeper role while Seedorf and Ronaldinho will play from the flanks leaving Pato and Borriello up front.

Real Madrid (Spain)

Manuel Pellegrini will once again be without influential Ronaldo. Ronaldo has four goals to his name in the Champions League and his absence has deeply affected the way Real Madrid play. During his first month at the Santiago Bernebau, Ronaldo’s excellent work saw Madrid scoring a lot of early goals.

Madrid were lucky to take all three points at the weekend as Madrid were a man short midway through the first-half. Gonzalo Higuain raised to the occasion by scoring 2 quick goals early in the second half to ease some pressure off his manager back following a shameful 4-0 defeat in midweek in the Copa Del Ray.

Manuel Pellegrini is likely to start with his preferred 4-2-4 formation. Iker Casillas will start in goal protected by Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol and Arbeloa or Marcelo. Xabi Alonso and Lassana Diarra will both start as holding midfielders allowing Kaka, Benzema, Higuain and Raul to rotate up front.

THe Betting Verdict :

Judging from the possible line-ups , the weakness in definitely in this Milan squad due to the aging factor. No doubt Pirlo and Gattuso are both excellent holding midfielders, but Madrid is likely to exploit the flanks as both Seedorf and Ronaldinho are unlikely to track back and help Zambrotta and Antonini.

The omens are on Milan to win as Milan has won all five home games against Madrid. However with Madrid losing a fortnight ago to Milan, the pressure will definitely be on Manuel Pellegrini’s side to win the game.

A draw won't upset the Madrid faithful but another defeat against Milan would definitely pile more pressure on Pellegrini as his bosses expects a lot from this side after investing over 200 million during the summer transfer window.

The Statistics :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Side Bet:
Consider taking Higuain as one of your goal scorers as your side bet. (only if Higuain starts)