• Tottenham v AC Milan, Champions League

Spurs seek impressive progression

Tom Adams
March 8, 2011
AC Milan will feel the loss of Gennaro Gattuso as they look to overturn Tottenham's first leg advantage © PA Photos
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It is half a century since the term "glory, glory nights" was first applied to Tottenham's adventures in the European Cup, but the visit of Milan to White Hart Lane, and the possible progression to the quarter-finals that it entails, could herald arguably the club's greatest achievement in the competition.

Few expected Spurs to finish in the top four last season, but they did. Harry Redknapp's side then confounded expectations once more when finishing ahead of Inter to top their group, thanks in no small part to a famous home win over the reigning European champions. Their surprise success in securing a 1-0 lead against the Serie A leaders at the San Siro now leaves them on the brink of a place in the quarter-finals in their debut Champions League campaign.

Peter Crouch's goal was overshadowed by Gennaro Gattuso's touchline attack on Joe Jordan, with the fiery midfielder suspended for Wednesday's tie, but the strike swung the tie significantly in favour of the North London side, who have won all four of their home games in the competition this season. Merely avoiding defeat will be sufficient to eliminate the seven-time winners, and that task will be made considerably easier should both Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart shake off fitness concerns and start the game. Bale made his comeback against Wolves while the Dutchman has not played since the first leg.

Milan are beset by fitness problems of their own, most notably in midfield, while Mark van Bommel and Antonio Cassano are both cup-tied. However, Massimiliano Allegri's side approach the game in fine form having defeated second-placed Napoli to tighten their grip on Serie A and, at the weekend, beaten Juventus 1-0 in Turin. Milan can hardly play worse than they did at home, but defeating Tottenham on home turf, and with the White Hart Lane crowd behind them, is a daunting prospect.

Tottenham player to watch: Gareth Bale. An obvious pick, no doubt, but the Welshman is without doubt the player that Milan will be paying closest attention to. Though he missed the first leg due to injury, Bale made his comeback from a six-week injury against Wolves on Sunday and should return to the starting line-up. Milan will be acutely aware of his two formidable performances against their city rivals Inter in the group stages and the Italian club demonstrated at the San Siro they are vulnerable to pace in wide positions. Bale has the skill, speed and direct style to give the visiting defence a torrid time.

Milan player to watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede's previous visit to North London saw him score twice for Barcelona against Arsenal last season, even if he is accused of failing to impress against Premier League sides. A force of nature in Serie A, where he has 14 goals and 11 assists already this season, Ibrahimovic saw a late equaliser at San Siro disallowed and will once again spearhead the Rossoneri attack, possibly alongside Alexandre Pato. When in peak form, there is no better exponent of the striking role, but once again intense scrutiny will be placed upon him as he faces an English team. If he answers those critics, Spurs could suffer.

Key Battle: Luka Modric v Mathieu Flamini. Deprived of Gattuso due to suspension, Milan have also been shorn of the well-established pair of Massimo Ambrosini and Andrea Pirlo due to injury meaning their midfield will take on a very unfamiliar complexion. Kevin-Prince Boateng, formerly of Spurs, is also a doubt so the driving force in the centre of the park will be Flamini, a man who is assured of a hot reception given his Arsenal past and his reckless challenge on Vedran Corluka in the first leg. His task will be negating the influence of Modric, who has been in excellent form this season and, if given the freedom of White Hart Lane, will exert control over this game. Much rests on Flamini's ability to cut out the supply line to Bale, Lennon and Van der Vaart.

Trivia: Only one team has ever lost the first leg at home and then progressed in the Champions League - Ajax against Panathinaikos in 1996.

Stats: After 13 goalless games in the Premier League, Jermain Defoe scored his first goals of the league season for Spurs against Wolves on Sunday. If he claims another against Milan, it will be his 100th for the club.

Odds: Tottenham (2.25), the draw (3.40) and Milan (3.20) are on offer at bet365, while Spurs to go through in extra-time is 36.00.

Prediction: Tottenham's home form in Europe should be enough to see them past the Serie A leaders, but it may well be a tense evening at White Hart Lane.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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