The Champions League returns this week with two games on Tuesday night and Tottenham face another trip to the San Siro, this time to take on seven-time winners of the competition AC Milan (both 22/1 in the outright betting) in the first leg of their last-16 clash, while Valencia also host Schalke at the Mestalla.
AC Milan v Spurs
These two sides enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the group stages with Spurs defying all the doubters to win Group A which included defending champions Inter, losing just one game and ending the phase as the tournament’s joint-leading scorers with 18.
Milan, though, made it through as a runner-up to Real Madrid with the fewest number of points as a qualifier, just eight, while they were the joint-lowest scorers of those teams that made it after mustering just seven goals.
The Italian powerhouse have struggled against English opposition since last lifting the trophy in 2007, having been beaten at this stage by Arsenal in 2008 and Manchester United by an aggregate 7-2 last year, while they were also held to a draw by Portsmouth in the UEFA Cup group stages in 2008/09.
However, it is hard to see that run continuing this week and Milan look good value at 8/11 in the match betting to at least establish a first-leg lead with a win.
Milan have found their form since the turn of the year and are unbeaten in 2011, preparing for this clash with a 4-0 demolition of Parma at the San Siro last Saturday to maintain a three-point lead at the top of Serie A as the Rossoneri look for their first domestic league title since 2004.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (4/1 to score the first goal) has found a new lease of life at Milan, leading the goal-scoring charts with 18 for the season, and will head a quality attacking triumvirate alongside the Brazilian duo of Alexandre Pato and Robinho.
There are one or two injury worries for coach Massimiliano Allegri as Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini are ruled out, while January arrivals Antonio Cassano, Mark van Bommel and Urby Emanuelson are cup-tied.
However, Spurs have greater problems over selection despite the return of Rafael van der Vaart and will struggle to contain the Rossoneri on Tuesday.
Gareth Bale’s impressive performances against Inter in the group stages catapulted him into the transfer limelight but he has been ruled out of the first leg as he has not recovered from a back problem.
Although the Wales ace scored a hat-trick on Spurs’ last trip to the San Siro, it should be worth noting that the visitors were played off the park in the first half, trailing 4-0 at the break, and ultimately lost the match, albeit 4-3.
Playmaker Luka Modric is also a major doubt following appendicitis, Peter Crouch is struggling with a back injury and Jermaine Jenas is suspended – while Tom Huddlestone, Ledley King and Younes Kabboul are long-term absentees.
Spurs go into the game on the back of a three-match Premier League winning streak but have been eking out results rather than dominating – and look set to struggle against an in-form Milan outfit.
Valencia v Schalke 04
Valencia do not boast a great record against German opposition but are the form side going into this encounter and look worthy 7/10 favourites in the match betting on Tuesday, with Schalke on offer at 18/5 and the draw at 13/5.
Los Che have failed to win any of their last six home games against German sides, drawing five and losing one, with Schalke holding the hosts to a goalless affair in 2007/08 in the Champions League group stages.
However, Unai Emery’s men have gone on a six match-winning streak since a 4-2 reverse against Villarreal in the Copa del Rey and have now climbed to third in the table.
Schalke’s form domestically has been erratic, although they have been creeping up the table after an awful start to the campaign.
Felix Magath’s men were able to put their Bundesliga troubles behind them in the group stages, topping Group B after winning four matches and losing just one.
Valencia’s recent form has been too good to ignore though, and after warming up with a 2-1 at Atletico Madrid, they are expected to edge a low-scoring affair (Under 2.5 goals at 8/13).
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