Milan v Anderlecht, Wednesday November 1st.

Fking idiots TLN..the only reason im subscribed to them is to watch Italian teams in CL.. for the past 2 match days they have shown Real Madrid both home and away games.. I thought maybe it was because AC Milan weren't playing at San Siro and thre was no other Italian team playing on that day.. but tomorrow Milan play at home against Anderlecht and it seems like they are going to show Real - Bucharest! I can't believe it, IM DISGUSTED!!!

Here is a preview from goal.com for tonight's match

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BACKGROUND

Milan and Anderlecht met two weeks ago at the latter’s home ground in Brussels, Belgium. Milan came out with the three points, by a score of 1-0.

Anderlecht knew Milan were struggling, and they had a chance to get hold of the group with a win over the visitors. That being said, they did not necessarily need to push the issue, as they did not need all out offense to get the result they desired. In fact, Milan showed the same offensive frailty they had been displaying for nearly the entire season.

Not only did Milan have trouble scoring yet again, but they were put under the gun when Daniele Bonera was ejected for a second bookable-offence right after the restart. But rather than recede and lock down on defense, this seemed to give the Rossoneri impetus to go forward. The only goal came through a superb strike by Kakà in the 58th minute. He received the ball far from goal, took a few touches, and then hit an unstoppable-shot that sailed past Anderlecht ‘keeper Daniel Zitka. This was all that was needed, as Milan held on for the improbably-achieved win.

CURRENT FORM

Milan (W D W, 7 points) are currently in first place in Champions League group H. While they have not been able to get on track in domestic competition for the most part, they have done well in European play, with the opening 3-0 home victory against AEK Athens being the bright spot so far.

It appears as though they finally have hit their stride domestically, despite the 4-3 loss to Inter Milan at the weekend in the Derby della Madonnina. While the first-half was one to be forgotten, the second-half performance was markedly better, and through late-game heroics they almost got out with a draw, after having gone behind 4-1 at the beginning of the second-half.

Anderlecht (D D L, 2 points) will be hard-fought to get points from this fixture. Milan will surely look to continue this improved vein of form, and this will be the most important match for Anderlecht so far in the competition. A surprise draw or win would go a long way to helping them make a push for second place in the group.

In Belgian league play, they have continued to do well, with a 2-0 win on Sunday versus bottom of the table Lierse. Ahmed Hassan bagged a brace with the strikes on either side of halftime; although, the score could have been higher, as they missed two penalty kicks.

TEAM NEWS

Anderlecht really only have one glaring injury concern to account for, and that is defender Nicolas Pareja, who is a long-term absentee with a knee problem.

Milan are still without Serginho, but Joann Gourcuff should return to the lineup after a long absence for a rib injury. Daniele Bonera is suspended for his dismissal in the match played in Belgium a fortnight ago.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alberto Gilardino (Milan) – Finally scored his first goal of the season in the weekend defeat, and looked very active, even having a goal disallowed for a close offside call.

Lucas Biglia (Anderlecht) – the Belgians need a good performance from the Argentine midfielder, whose play is essential toward getting a positive result. He will need to show the quality he displayed on a regular basis back when he played for Boca Juniors.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s

Anderlecht (4-4-2): Zitka; Descacht, Juhasz, van Damme, Vanden Borre; Goor, Biglia, Hassan, Boussoufa; Tchite, Frutos

Milan (4-3-1-2): Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Gourcuff; Kakà; Gilardino, Inzaghi

PREDICTION

In what is bad news to teams not only Italy but all across Europe, Milan may now be hitting top-form. This will be especially bad news for Anderlecht, who have a history of struggling in Champions League play.

With the home crowd urging them on, Milan will try to get plenty of goals to build on their recently-acquired confident play. Expect a big win for the Rossoneri.

Milan 3-0 Anderlecht

Here is a mini preview from Eurosport and one from Uefa

Eurosport:
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Milan will hope to put their domestic woes behind them and concentrate once again on the Champions League when they face Anderlecht at the San Siro on Wednesday.

The Rossoneri have struggled horribly in Serie A so far this season, and a recent dismal run of form culminated in the 4-3 derby defeat to Inter at the weekend to leave them languishing in 14th place.

But Milan's form in Europe has been anything but poor, and with seven points from a possible nine so far, Carlo Ancelotti's side are looking good for qualification to the next round.

Milan will seal their place in the last 16 with a win over Anderlecht - who they beat 1-0 a fortnight ago in Belgium thanks to a stunning Kaka strike - as long as AEK Athens do not win in the other Group H game against Lille in Greece.

Ancelotti has vowed not to change his side despite the pressure heaped on him by Saturday's defeat, and that means that Alberto Gilardino - who scored for the first time this season in the weekend's game - should keep his place in attack.

Daniele Bonera is out of contention through suspension following his red card at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, with Brazilian veteran Cafu set to step in as a replacement.

Anderlecht will be looking for revenge after having put in a decent display two weeks ago, and they head into the game in good form after a 2-0 win over Lierse at the weekend in the Belgian Juniper League.

But coach Franky Vercauteren will have to make do without star striker Nicolas Frutos, who pulled up with a muscular problem against Lierse.

"With or without Frutos, the most important thing remains that we play as a team," Vercauteren said.



UEFA:
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AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has the air of a man relieved to be turning his attention back to the UEFA Champions League where, in contrast to the somewhat darker domestic landscape, the future looks bright.

'Not happening'
Milan lead Group H with seven points from three matches and will qualify for the knockout stages with victory against RSC Anderlecht, provided AEK Athens FC fail to do likewise at home to LOSC Lille Métropole. In Italy, however, the Rossoneri have won just one of their last six games, culminating in a 4-3 derby defeat on Saturday which leaves them 14 points behind leaders FC Internazionale Milano. "It's not quite happening for us in Serie A," Ancelotti said. "I'm not really sure why there is a difference, because we prepare for the matches in exactly the same way. The results in the league suggest we're playing badly but we're not."

'Dominating possession'
That disappointing domestic run also suggests European success holds even greater importance for the six-time continental champions, although Ancelotti is not looking beyond Wednesday. "Three points would put everything right for the time being, but it won't be straightforward as Anderlecht are a good side," he said. Milan, who will be without the suspended Daniele Bonera and the injured Giuseppe Favalli and Serginho, may recall French youngster Yoann Gourcuff to help Kaká pull the midfield strings.

Tchite threat
The Brazilian's wonder strike proved the difference between the teams in Brussels a fortnight ago, although the scoreline could have been different had Mohamed Tchite - "a player who is very dangerous away from home" according to Ancelotti - not wasted a golden opportunity to equalise, with Roland Juhász also hitting the woodwork. Another who usually carries the Anderlecht threat, Nicolas Frutos, has a hamstring complaint and joins Nicolas Pareja on the sidelines. Tchite should instead be supported in attack by Mbark Boussoufa and Ahmed Hassan, who scored twice in Saturday's 2-0 defeat of K. Lierse SK.

Travelling support
"It is a shame that Frutos is out," said visiting coach Franky Vercauteren, "but we've been without him before and done well. I'd prefer to have him available as he gives the side so many more options, but life goes on and we have other good players in the side." Les Mauves have lost only once in Group H, on Matchday 3, but two draws have left them requiring at least a point from this encounter, and the support of 5,000 travelling fans could yet help them achieve such a result.

'Not scared'
Vercauteren added: "This is a hugely important match for us. It could be decisive in terms of who finishes where, so we need to try and pick up points. We are not scared of anyone. We have a healthy respect for Milan and are honoured to be playing in this tournament at San Siro, but we can get something from the game if we play as a solid unit."

Probable teams
Milan: Dida; Cafu, Kakha Kaladze, Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini; Gennaro Gattuso, Cristian Brocchi, Yoann Gourcuff; Kaká; Alberto Gilardino, Ricardo Oliveira.

Anderlecht: Daniel Zítka; Roland Juhász, Mark De Man, Olivier Deschacht; Yves Vanderhaeghe; Anthony Vanden Borre, Lucas Biglia, Bart Goor; Ahmed Hassan, Mbark Boussoufa; Mohamed Tchite.

I can't wait for this match. I think we will win, I don't feel any doubt there, but more importantly I'm interested in seeing how the players perform. They seem much more up to the challenge since the Inter match and I think they're starting to perform better and better.

We need to build on the 2nd half against Inter and so I'd be looking to press and attack Anderlecht. We know they have some decent attacking players (the pace of Tchite must be watched), so we have to be careful on the counter.

I'd start Maldini as he looks really sharp lately, and has performed well enough to play ahead of pretty much any defender (maybe not Simic who has been great so far this season).

Finally, Gila I think deserves to start (without Pippo), as I think he looks to finally be starting to hit form.

FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just to let you guys know that the "how to see the game" thread has been updated with some bad news - Rai has moved the game from RaiUno to RaiTre and I am not sure if RaiTre will be on StreamerOne's channel list.

Once the game has started, in case RaiTre isn't on one of the "test" channels of STreamerOne, I suggest trying ULF, UBC 35/36, and CCTV Soccer on TVAnts.

For those in the US, Fox Soccer will broadcast the match, on Thursday, at 7pm est. As I am tired of watching matches where I know the outcome, I will have to stay away from here and my other usual web haunts until tomorrow so I can watch the match "live" and - I am sure - enjoy our win.

Again (already thanked him in the "how to watch thread"), thanks much Zlat...and again, please keep us updated!!

I wont be able to see the match any other way...so...

I have the feeling too that this is going to be close to an spectacular
display from our side ... Gila must be way more confident and hungry
after his latest performance that I hail as classy ... He must say enough from all past critism he's received and take revenge today ... I think we're up for a surprise here... strap to your seats and expect a high speed,with plenty of possesion and early goals MILAN ...
step up MILANNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!

Milan 3 anderlecht 0

Originally Posted by Warro Bantan

Again (already thanked him in the "how to watch thread"), thanks much Zlat...and again, please keep us updated!!

I wont be able to see the match any other way...so...

no problem, Warro ... will do my best to keep you guys up to date

Im 99% sure we will win this one. And it would be good to play Bonera on the right, with Marek on the left. Simic can play as a CB with Nesta. But what I want to see is how we can play without Kaka', we need to rest this man!!
my lineup: dida-marek,nesta,simic,bonera,pirlo,brocchi,seedorf,gourcuff,oliveira,gilardino....

mrki...did u get UEFA to rescind Bonera´s red card? Or is his suspension not yet confirmed?

Oh, man I forgot about that!! Thanx Warro. So...let it be Simic on the RB. Or...
Cafu-nesta-simic-kaladze....

Yeah, wouldnt mind seeing Simic in the CB, or RB spot..maybe he can earn a start over (cant believe I am typing this) error prone Nesta...

Originally Posted by Warro Bantan

Yeah, wouldnt mind seeing Simic in the CB, or RB spot..maybe he can earn a start over (cant believe I am typing this) error prone Nesta...

I thought I would never see somebody writing that nesta should be dropped out of the squad,but it seems that nobody is certain nowadays.But I think he needs time to rest. I think he`ll be ok in a week or so,

I want to see Gorky- Oli- Gila.thats my only wish for tonight..

My team:
Dida
Cafu, Simic, Kakha, Maldini
Brocchi, Pirlo/Seedorf, Janku
Gorky
Gila, RO

Think it's about time to rest Kaka, at least for one half of this game. Later on, if Kaka comes in, wouldn't mind having Brocchi, Gattuso, Gorky, and Kaka in midfield.
Having big hopes for Gila and especially RO.