Galinsky's CL Preview: AC Milan (ITA) v Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

Champions League debutants Tottenham Hotspur look to continue their fantastic European campaign as they visit the San Siro to take on Serie A leading AC Milan. A revelation this season for Spurs, Gareth Bale is questionable to play. Harry Redknapp originally ruled the young Welshman out of contention for the tie due to continuing back problems but over the past 24 hours Bale’s status has changed and it is looking like he might be available to return to the San Siro where he scored an astonishing hat trick in a losing effort to Inter Milan in the group stages this past winter. Regardless of Bale’s availability, expect Spurs to bring plenty of firepower of their own, as they will be boosted by the fact that Rafael Van der Vaart looks fit to play, as well as Peter Crouch.

AC Milan will be playing without talismanic midfielder Andrea Pirlo after damaging knee ligaments in training. Due to the severity of his injury, Pirlo is also expected to miss out on the return trip to London in March. The Rossoneri have been doing quite well without Pirlo though, as they extended their lead at the top of Serie A to 6 points and their unbeaten streak to 10 matches.

This tie promises to be an epic encounter of two high powered attacking forces clashing together. Experience and recent form points toward Milan’s success, but as we’ve seen both in the league and in the Europe earlier this season, Spurs are no pushovers and will give Milan a real go at the San Siro. It’ll be interesting to see how Tottenham’s back four will be able to handle the attacking prowess of Ibrahimovic, Robinho, and Pato. I favor Milan to win this match but can also see Spurs getting a goal or perhaps two.

Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Tottenham