AC MILAN V MANCHESTER UNITED

ROONEY CAN STRIKE IN MILAN The Champions League semi-final first leg between Manchester United and AC Milan was a truly epic match, in which the Red Devils came from behind to prevail 3-2. Another high-octane encounter is in the offing when they square up to do battle again in the second chapter of this tie at the San Siro on Wednesday evening when the small matter of a place in the final is at stake. AC Milan head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is in the semi-final of this competition as a manager for a record fifth time, will, one would imagine, have been delighted with the result in the first leg at the Theatre of Dreams, as his charges scored two crucial away goals through the majestic playmaker Kaka, who has netted an impressive eight goals in the Champions League so far this term. The Milanese outfit beat United at this stage in the old European Cup in both 1958 and '69. Furthermore, the home side have entertained English clubs 11 times in history and have yet to lose, with six victories and five draws. Sir Alex's men, ominously, have been defeat in nine of their 12 visits to Italy, so the stats are firmly against the Premiership champions-elect ahead of this crunch decider. Even more ominous for United than stats, is the fact that Gennaro Gattuso will be available for selection. That midfield maestro was Milan's best player bar Kaka before having to be substituted after 52 minutes in the first leg, and the 29-year-old will be instrumental alongside the brilliant Andrea Pirlo in the centre of the park. Talismanic defender Maldini looks set to miss the game, albeit he is the only notable absentee as far as Ancelotti is concerned. Defensive headaches have plagued Man Utd recently. Gary Neville is still absent, Patrice Evra is suspended, while Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are now both fit, but a decision as to whether either, or both, take part will be delayed until the last possible minute, one suspects. Somewhat surprisingly, Louis Saha may have won the race to be fit for this match. A place on the bench rather than the starting XI would seem most likely, though. Needless to say, the visitors will look to their young guns, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, for a bit of match-winning magic. And to the experienced duo of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs for their cool heads. Indeed, both magic and cool heads will be required on Wednesday evening. Interestingly, despite Milan being definite favourites in the match result market, United are as short as 4/7 with Blue Square to qualify. Under the circumstances, I think that price is a shade stingy. But, having said that, I do feel that United will claim their place in the final in Athens - albeit following a very tense 90 minutes. The visitors will not sit back and aim to preserve their lead. Firstly, it's simply not their style. And, secondly, Sir Alex Ferguson is well aware of the attacking threat posed by the Italians, and that by standing off them will be counter-productive. If United score first, they'll be far from out of the woods, but it'll be a major boost and I reckon they'll unhinge Milan with a fast start, and get that crucial first goal. Ironically, considering that he endured such a lengthy goal drought in this competition until the knockout stages this season, Wayne Rooney will become the first English player to score in four consecutive Champions League matches if he etches his name on to the scoresheet in this game. I think boy wonder will oblige. The 8/1 with bet365 about him weighing in first is tempting, but if he starts off by playing wide, then this could prove to be a frustrating bet. As such, the value lies in the anytime goalscorer market, and 11/4 about Rooney, again with bet365, looks a steal to me. Verdict - 2pts Wayne Rooney in the anytime goalscorer market @ 11/4 (bet365)