Champions League Preview: Milan - Marseille

Giuseppe Meazza, Milan.

Milan Hoping To Progress

Milan are well aware that a win over Marseille will see them progress into the next round of the competition. All the teams in Group C are still in with a shout of qualification, so the Italians will face a tough tie at the San Siro as the pressure begins to mount.

Leonardo’s men have grasped the nettle in Serie A and they will be confident of delivering a win. They beat Cagliari 4-3 at the weekend, with Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho in hot form, both getting on the scoresheet. Clarence Seedorf and Marco Borriello grabbed the other goals. The Italian will not feature against OM as he suffered a twisted right knee in training on Monday. It was a tight result against the Sardinians, but it’s one that shows the resilience and belief in the side. It’s time to transfer those qualities onto the European scene.

The seven time European Champions have not always been consistent this season. A narrow win over the French side was followed up by a shocking loss to Zurich at home, before a win and draw against Spanish giants Real Madrid. Leonardo’s men boast an unbeaten run of nine matches in all competitions, with six wins and three draws.

This game has a particular taste to it. Milan would be eight-time European Champions had they beaten Marseille in the 1993 final in Munich, but they went down 1-0. Aside from their meeting at the Velodrome in September, that was the last time the teams faced each other in Europe.

Beating the French will help raze those sour memories. In addition, it would allow the Rossoneri to think about adding an eighth trophy in Madrid next year.

Marseille Continue To Hope

Didier Deschamps' men cannot qualify for the round of 16 this week, even if they record a win. In order to guarantee a place, they would also have to beat Real Madrid on the final matchday at the Velodrome.

While the Rossoneri are in hot form on the goal front, OM are not messing about either. They scored six against Zurich in their last European clash and put five past Champions League hopefuls Olympique Lyonnais a week later in Ligue 1. Incredibly, they also leaked five to OL in the same game.

They will be in confident mood having also beaten Paris-Saint Germain in Le Classique on Friday night, meaning the French side have had two days extra rest compared to Milan, who played on Sunday.

Gabriel Heinze scored the winner in Friday's game, his first goal in French domestic competition since 2004, when he played for PSG. The former Manchester United stopper also scored against Milan in the 2-1 loss back in September and will be looking to continue his new-found taste for goal.

A win against Milan will give the French outfit a source of hope in the final matchday, though it will take a performance of substantial proportions to knock down the San Siro giants.

FORM GUIDE

Milan

November 22 v Cagliari (H) – WON 4-3 (Serie A)

November 8 v Lazio (A) – WON 2-1 (Serie A)

November 3 v Real Madrid (H) – DREW 1-1 (Champions League)

October 31 v Parma (H) – WON 2-0 (Serie A)

October 28 v Napoli (A) – DREW 2-2 (Serie A)

Marseille

November 20 v PSG (H) – WON 1-0 (Ligue 1)

November 8 v Olympique Lyonnais – DREW 5-5 (Ligue 1)

November 4 v Zurich (H) – WON 6-1 (Champions League)

October 31 v Toulouse (H) – DREW 1-1 (Ligue 1)

October 21 v Zurich (A) – WON 1-0 (Champions League)

Milan

The Rossoneri will be without Marco Borriello for the game after he injured his knee in training. Mathieu Flamini (ankle) and Gennaro Gattuso (thigh) are out. Marek Jankulovski is out for the long-term after undergoing surgery to his ankle. Marco Storari could feature in goal. He returned against Cagliari but never played.

Probable Starting XI: Dida: Oddo, Nesta, Silva, Zambrotta; Abate, Ambrosini, Seedorf; Pato, Inzaghi, Ronaldinho.

Marseille

Lucho Gonzalez is in line to make his full return from injury after featuring as a late substitute against PSG. Stephane Mbia has an ankle injury and is likely to miss the Milan trip. Julien Rodriguez (ankle) is also out of contention. Like Milan, there are no suspensions here.

Probable Starting XI: Mandanda; Bonnart, Heinze, Diawara, Taiwo; Abriel, Cisse, Lucho, Cheyrou; Niang, Brandao.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Milan

Ronaldinho has been outstanding of late. All eyes will be on the Brazilian attacker, who will be eager to fire his side into the next phase. Look out for his set pieces which can prove deadly for the opposition. He has enjoyed stellar performances against les Phoceens previous, excelling against the southerners during his time with PSG.

Marseille

Brandao will be the danger man for l’OM in Milan. He has scored five times this term and his powerful presence will mean Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva will have their noses to the grindstone.

PREDICTION

Plenty is riding on this tie and Milan will not be in any mood to take their foot off the pedal. Three points and they are through. Sounds simple, but it will not be. Marseille will fight, but the Italians have the panache, quality and experience to win.

Milan 2-0 Marseille

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com