MY ACCOUNT
– Tottenham have won to nil in each of their last three home games
– AC Milan have won one of their last five away games
– Recommended bet: Tottenham to qualify
Tottenham Hotspur have a 1-0 deficit to overturn as they welcome AC Milan to north London for their Champions League last 16 second leg on Wednesday night.
Brahim Diaz’s goal from the first leg at the San Siro separates the two sides but Antonio Conte’s Spurs will have taken positives from that first encounter in Milan.
Team news
Ryan Sessegnon, Hugo Lloris, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur are all long-term absentees for Tottenham heading into Wednesday night’s game, while Eric Dier will be suspended for the clash.
Spurs will be boosted by the return of Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojberg into the midfield after he completed his own European ban.
As for Stefano Pioli’s Milan, the Rossoneri have had their own injury troubles this term, but with players returning to to the fold, the manager has nearly a fully-fit squad to select from.
Goalscorer from the first leg Diaz is a slight doubt ahead of the encounter, as he has been doing some solo training due to a knee strain and faces a race against time to be ready for the showdown with Spurs.
The stats
Tottenham have a goal deficit to overturn but as mentioned they will have taken positives from their performance at the San Siro.
Spurs had more shots at goal, more possession and completed more passes than the Rossoneri that day and that should bode well for Wednesday’s return leg.
Tottenham’s home form of late has been strong, as they have beaten Manchester City, West Ham and Chelsea in their last three games in north London without conceding a goal.
Harry Kane has an excellent record in the Champions League, with 21 goals in 31 appearances in this prestigious European competition.
Meanwhile, Milan’s away form will be a concern for Pioli, as the Serie A giants have only managed one win in their last five games away from the San Siro.
Prediction
Considering Spurs’ home record and Milan’s recent troubles on the road, Conte’s side look capable of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The Tottenham defence on home soil has been excellent and if Spurs can make it four clean sheets in a row in north London, with their firepower in attack, they stand a good chance of reaching the last eight.
