Champions League: 4 Tasty Knockout Ties That Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea & Arsenal Could Face

by Jamie Clark

1. Manchester United vs AC Milan

Historically there's nothing to choose between these giants of European football. Five wins apiece from ten meetings means nobody plays for a draw when United and Milan go at it. The decisive nature of their encounters means all signs would point to another classic.

That said neither team is the force they once were. On current league position this would pit the ninth best Premier League side against an outfit occupying the same spot in Serie A. Milan and the Red Devils can still call upon talismanic talents in Mario Balotelli and Wayne Rooney.

Rooney leads the Champions League assists table with six in as many games. Balotelli meanwhile has averaged a goal every two matches when he has started in Europe. Both must keep their infamously short fuses in check, however.

Max Allegri and David Moyes will both be targeting January reinforcements to improve their lot. French defender Adil Rami is joining Milan on loan whilst Japan playmaker Keisuke Honda is a permanent transfer from CSKA Moscow, but is cup-tied.

United have been chopping and changing in defence with club captain Nemanja Vidic experiencing more injury problems and Rio Ferdinand's ageing legs need to be managed carefully.

Which opposition would you like to see the Premier League teams get in Monday's Champions League draw? Let us know below.

Contributor
Contributor

Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.