Arsenal to get no respite in Milan and other talking points for the Europa League Round of 16

Aditya Devavrat 11:32 08/03/2018
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  • Arsene Wenger could be left wearing this familiar expression again.

    Whereas the Europa League can sometimes prove to be a cumbersome distraction, this year’s competition, benefitting from the presence of some of the continent’s most storied clubs, is set to be a classic.

    The Round of 16 begins on Thursday and while some of the favourites, like Atletico Madrid and Lazio, have fairly negotiable ties, others will be sorely tested en route to the quarter-finals, with the pick of the match-ups being Arsenal vs AC Milan.

    Here are some of the talking points ahead of Thursday’s headline fixtures.

    ARSENAL WON’T GET ANY RESPITE IN MILAN

    If only Arsenal’s biggest concern right now were a difficult away trip to some faraway city in Europe. Instead, they’ve been drawn in the glamour tie of the round, and on current form AC Milan have to be favoured to progress. Where Arsenal have been sinking, Milan have been flying under new manager Gennaro Gattuso and enter Thursday’s tie off the back of an 11-match unbeaten run.

    They’re a young, vibrant side, but they also have a steeliness that embodies their manager. Exactly the sort of opponents Arsenal didn’t need right now, then – although it’s not like they cruised past “easier” opponents in Ostersund in the previous round, when having won 3-0 in the first leg away, they were trailing 2-0 at home at one point and looking set for humiliation yet again. Gattuso’s Milan won’t let them off if they find Arsenal in a similar position.

    Gattuso's leadership has galvanised AC Milan.

    Gattuso’s leadership has galvanised AC Milan.

    DORTMUND DEFENDING PURITY OF FOOTBALL

    The headline-grabbing story in the lead-up to Borussia Dortmund‘s tie against Red Bull Salzburg was the German club banning the sale of half-and-half scarves for Thursday’s fixture. Ostensibly, the ban was against the use of Dortmund’s logo for any official merchandise, but half-and-half scarves were the clear target. No sharing any fabric space with the Red Bull outfit.

    There are those who see the half-and-half scarf is in itself as an abomination, but for Dortmund, this has nothing to do with scarves and everything to do with their idea of football. They’ve shown their disdain for the Red Bull football project multiple times, in Bundesliga matches against Salzburg’s sister club, RB Leipzig, but the animosity for Thursday’s opponents seems to be even higher.

    Dortmund's hatred for the Red Bull project is well-documented.

    Dortmund’s hatred for the Red Bull project is well-documented.

    MARSEILLE’S CHAMPIONS PROJECT FACES ANOTHER TEST

    Marseille’s much-vaunted “Champions Project”, which began with new owner Frank McCourt taking control of the club, is finally on the verge of a tangible achievement. Currently in third place in Ligue 1 with a five-point lead, they’re in good position to qualify for the Champions League.

    But the gap on the pitch to the side that will actually be champions is still huge. Marseille lost to PSG 3-0 twice in the space of a week recently. If they want to be taken seriously, they need to start competing for actual honours. Navigating a tough tie against Athletic Bilbao would be a good start.

    Marseille have begun to find their feet this season after embarking on a rebuild.

    Marseille have begun to find their feet this season after embarking on a rebuild.

    LYON HAVE CHANCE TO SHOW THEY’RE AMONG THE FAVOURITES

    Lyon fell agonisingly short of reaching last year’s final, nearly completing a comeback from a 4-1 first-leg deficit. They’ve blown hot and cold domestically again this season, looking fearsome in some games and insipid in others, an inconsistency that sees them five points off a coveted Champions League place.

    This remains one of the most talented young squads in Europe, however, and the Europa League is a tournament where they can show that. CSKA Moscow can be difficult opponents, but a Lyon at their best should prevail with minimum fuss. If they can do so, they’ll show they belong alongside Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Lazio, and whoever emerges from the Arsenal-Milan tie as one of the tournament favourites.

    Nabil Fekir, one of Europe's brightest young talents, can lead Lyon to glory.

    Nabil Fekir, one of Europe’s brightest young talents, can lead Lyon to glory.

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