Tottenham Hotspur vs AC Milan
UEFA Champions League, KO: 20:00 Mar 8, 2023, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR fans are still reeling from two dreadful domestic defeats but the players can lift the gloom as they bid to topple AC Milan and reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
The FA Cup always looked like being Spurs' best chance to end a trophy drought stretching back to 2008, especially with so many lower-league sides going far in the competition.
But Tottenham became the latest Premier League club to crash out as they were embarrassed by a weakened Sheffield United side, with the Blades claiming a deserved 1-0 win as I cashed in by betting against BTTS.
Spurs followed it up by crashing 1-0 at Wolves on Saturday in the Premier League, damaging their bid for a top-four finish that would secure another season at Europe's top table.
But they are still in with a shout of glory this term and after watching Mauricio Pochettino guide them to the Champions League Final against the odds in 2019 some wildly optimistic fans may be dreaming of a repeat if they can see off AC Milan.
The Rossoneri are showing signs of life again after a dismal run that saw them go seven games without a win in the winter. They won four successive games without conceding before that resurgence came to an end with a 2-1 loss at Fiorentina on Saturday night.
Stefano Pioli will be pleased his side are showing more solidity in defence and Tottenham will need to be at their best to break down AC Milan.
How the bookies view it
AC Milan are favourites to go through at a best 13/19 with SBK while Paddy Power price Tottenham at 31/20 to turn things around at home. For a win on the night, Spurs are 26/25 favourites with BetUK while the Serie A giants are as big as 41/14 with VBet. A draw suits Pioli's side and that pays 11/4 with Betfred.
Head to head
That win in the first leg as AC Milan's first victory against Tottenham. In the four previous meetings, Spurs claimed two victories and two draws. It wasn't a thriller when Milan last came calling, with a 0-0 stalemate sealing a 1-0 aggregate win for Harry Redknapp's side in the Champions League last 16 back in 2011.
Players to watch
Starting Harry Kane on the bench backfired for Tottenham in that FA Cup loss but there's no way the skipper will be missing this one, unless he picks up an injury in training. Betfred price the England striker at 13/10 for a goal and he's also worth a look for an assist once that market is priced up.
Rafael Leao's pace and power caused plenty of problems for Spurs in the first leg and the Colombian could be a big threat on the counter attack in London. He's 9/2 at Unibet for a goal and the same firm price him at 21/20 just to have a shot on target.
Anything else catch the eye?
With AC Milan being solid at the back in recent games and Spurs drawing blanks in their last two outings I'd be surprised if we saw a lot of goals. Under 2.5 strikes is priced 17/20 at Unibet while the half-time pays 6/5 with Paddy Power.
Milan's Rade Krunic will be at the heart of the midfield battle and is always good value for a card. The Bosnian has amassed seven yellows in 19 appearances this term and is 7/2 for another card at Unibet, who also price him at 13/25 just to commit a foul.
This UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan will be played on Mar 8, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Tottenham Hotspur vs AC Milan prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
