Match Preview
It is perhaps ironic that Arsène Wenger described tonight's Champions League Knockout Round first leg with Milan as a "crossroads" for his side.
That's because, in the minds of some, Arsenal's season showed the first real signs of losing its way at the weekend when they were beaten so comprehensively by Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Of course, a quick glance at the Premier League table will give home fans every confidence that Wenger has his side's future mapped out with complete assurance. A five-point gap is the plumpest of cushions at this stage of the season after all.
Most can handle heavy Cup exits at their hands of the fiercest rivals as long as it is for the greater good - the acquisition of a bigger trophy. But now is the time to kick-on in those competitions.
The game is Arsenal's 100th in the Champions League and the holders are a fitting opponent but also they will be the sternest of tests at a time when Arsenal need to get back on course after being hit by a tidal wave of a defeat at the weekend.
The Milanese side are considered to be Europe's old guard while Arsenal just could be its rising young stars. With the first leg pivotal to progress, tonight could be looked back on as not only THE decisive game of the season for the North London side but also a passing point in the life cycle of these two teams.
"It is like that a bit sometimes," said Wenger at Tuesday's press conference. "People cross each other. We hope we're at a crossroads now where the youngsters can show how good they are. I believe they will.
"But it is a cup competition against a very experienced side. What's important is that we play without the handbrake on and go into the match with desire. We have to play free of pressure and I believe we will do that."
Arsenal have Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini, Gael Clichy and Denilson either back in the squad or back to full fitness. However Manuel Almunia is still laid low with sickness so Jens Lehmann retains his place.
Milan are likely to have rarely-used, third-choice keeper Valerio Fiori, 38, on duty after Zeljko Kalac followed Dida onto the injury list. When asked about the issue, Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti reportedly said "if we play well enough we won't need a keeper".
"They will need their goalkeeper," smiled Wenger in response. "We've never played at home without putting the opponents' keeper under pressure.
"But to beat Milan you have to be at your best. Can we take any advantage of a weakness in their team? I don't go into the match thinking about that.
"Milan have bought Pato, they have Kaka - they have renewed their team. They also have players like Kaladze and Nesta, as defenders they can still play four or five years at the top level. Pirlo and Gattuso too. They are all experienced, but they are not old.
"Milan said they were an old team last year, but this year they have regenerated their team a bit."
The home fans will be trusting that their manager has had time to regenerate his side since last weekend.
