Football News 2

AC Milan hope to put aside poor league form against Celtic

GLASGOW: AC Milan hope their poor form in the Italian League does not rub off on their play in the Champions League.

Milan have drawn four games and lost one in Serie A after opening the season with a win over Genoa.

The Italian side opened defence of their Champions League title with a 2-1 win over Benfica, and now travel to Glasgow to play Celtic in a repeat of the first knockout round match-up last season.

Milan drew 0-0 at Celtic Park and won 1-0 in Italy.

“Celtic are a tough team who run a lot,” Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf said. “We are ready to face them. Compared to last year, perhaps, they might know us a little better and be more prepared. It will be a tough match, but we have to remain united.”

Milan are seventh in Serie A – seven points off leaders and city rivals Inter Milan – after a 1-1 draw with Catania on Sunday.

“The league doesn't influence the Champions League however, and anyway I've been here since 2002 and this team always managed to be competitive in the league in the last five years,'' Seedorf said.

“The Champions League is a special event, but if we don't do well in the league it will start to be the same in the Champions League too.''

Milan have several injury worries, with striker Ronaldo and defender Paolo Maldini out injured. Goalkeeper Dida is also doubtful with an inflamed shoulder, which would give Zeljko Kalac the start.

Kalac played in the Celtic leg last season, with Dida returning for the Milan leg.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti must also decide if Alberto Gilardino or Filippo Inzaghi plays up in front of Kaka and Seedorf.

“Dida worked out yesterday and will try again tonight at the stadium,'' Ancelotti said. “If he's in condition, he'll play. Regarding the attack, who's at 51%? Inzaghi.''

Unlike Milan, Celtic are scoring goals.

Scott McDonald scored a hat-trick in Celtic's 3-0 win over Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.

McDonald, an Australian, is likely to be joined by Chris Killen, who is from New Zealand, up front against Milan because Jan Vennegoor of Hesseilink has a hamstring injury.

“Coming from the Southern Hemisphere, Chris and I are good friends and I believe he can fill Jan's boots,'' McDonald said. “The last two games against AC Milan have been goalless draws so I expect this one to be tight. One goal could win the game.''

Celtic coach Gordon Strachan is hoping Milan's goal-scoring drought continues. Milan have only scored eight goals in six Italian games this season. Celtic have scored 27 after eight games in the Scottish Premier League.

“If you always look like scoring goals then you have a chance of winning,'' Strachan said.

“In some games last year we found it very hard to make chances, this season we have made numerous chances so that is the satisfying thing as well as getting a good result before we play AC Milan.'' – AP