t is half a century since the term "glory, glory nights" was first applied to Tottenham's adventures in the European Cup, but the visit of Milan to White Hart Lane, and the possible progression to the quarter-finals that it entails, could herald arguably the club's greatest achievement in the competition.
Few expected Spurs to finish in the top four last season, but they did. Harry Redknapp's side then confounded expectations once more when finishing ahead of Inter to top their group, thanks in no small part to a famous home win over the reigning European champions. Their surprise success in securing a 1-0 lead against the Serie A leaders at the San Siro now leaves them on the brink of a place in the quarter-finals in their debut Champions League campaign.
Milan are beset by fitness problems of their own, most notably in midfield, while Mark van Bommel and Antonio Cassano are both cup-tied. However, Massimiliano Allegri's side approach the game in fine form having defeated second-placed Napoli to tighten their grip on Serie A and, at the weekend, beaten Juventus 1-0 in Turin.
Tottenham player to watch: Gareth Bale. An obvious pick, no doubt, but the Welshman is without doubt the player that Milan will be paying closest attention to. Though he missed the first leg due to injury, Bale made his comeback from a six-week injury against Wolves on Sunday and should return to the starting line-up. Milan will be acutely aware of his two formidable performances against their city rivals Inter in the group stages.
Milan player to watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede's previous visit to North London saw him score twice for Barcelona against Arsenal last season, even if he is accused of failing to impress against Premier League sides. A force of nature in Serie A, where he has 14 goals and 11 assists already this season, Ibrahimovic saw a late equaliser at San Siro disallowed and will once again spearhead the Rossoneri attack, possibly alongside Alexandre Pato.
Key Battle: Luka Modric v Mathieu Flamini. Deprived of Gattuso due to suspension, Milan have also been shorn of the well-established pair of Massimo Ambrosini and Andrea Pirlo due to injury meaning their midfield will take on a very unfamiliar complexion. Kevin-Prince Boateng, formerly of Spurs, is also a doubt so the driving force in the centre of the park will be Flamini, a man who is assured of a hot reception given his Arsenal past and his reckless challenge on Vedran Corluka in the first leg.
Prediction: Tottenham's home form in Europe should be enough to see them past the Serie A leaders, but it may well be a tense evening at White Hart Lane.
source: Tom Adams, ESPN (soccernet.com)
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