Searing pace of Chamberlain and Walcott the key to beating Milan
ARSENAL will need big games from Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tonight if they are to return from Milan with a good result.
I expect space in midfield to be tight so it’s imperative that Arsene Wenger’s men exploit the searing pace they have on the wings.
If Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain can penetrate Milan and provide regular service for Robin van Persie I’ve got every faith in him to score and the Gunners to get at least a draw.
Wenger could opt for Andrey Arshavin over Oxlade-Chamberlain but I think he’ll favour the youngster, while he also faces a choice between experience and youth in midfield.
Aaron Ramsey would get my vote because he has more running in him than Tomas Rosicky, with the option of bringing the tidy Czech playmaker on if they are struggling to retain possession.
SENSATIONAL
This is a tough tie to call. Milan are top of the Italian league, so will be full of confidence, and will have the benefit of an intimidating home support on their side.
They were knocked out by Tottenham at this stage last year but, having been beaten at home, outplayed Spurs at White Hart Lane. This Arsenal side, meanwhile, have been compared unfavourably to the side that went to the San Siro and won 2-0 in 2008.
They are certainly a different team, with just one survivor, and lack some of the European experience that squad enjoyed.
But they look to be growing in confidence and I was impressed by their European away wins at Udinese and Marseille earlier this season.
A win would be sensational but even a draw would be a great result, as we know how dangerous Italian teams are when they have a lead to protect.
Trevor Steven is a former Everton and Glasgow Rangers winger who represented England at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.