Sporting Index Market Maker: the Champions League Semi-Final is a much higher standard than the Dutch league and I fancy Milan to win by a margin of 1.1 to 1.3 goals.

AC Milan vs PSV in Champions League semi-final: online betting

“It’s difficult to see anything other than a Milan victory at the San Siro, despite the Italian side’s erratic domestic form. The recent shock defeat at Siena was followed by an unconvincing home win against struggling Chievo, so their confidence seems to have taken a knock. Of more concern is the doubt about Pirlo’s fitness, he’s their major creative influence and his absence would be a big boost to PSV. Nesta is suspended, Stam could be out and similarly Gattuso is rated as doubtful, but as a defensive midfielder he would play a more significant role in the second leg.

“As for PSV, they’re a much stronger proposition at home and weren’t convincing away to Lyon in the last round. Realistically, the best they can hope for is a draw. They are a well organised team and get a lot of joy from the dead ball delivery of Van Bommel. He is already on a yellow card, so a booking at the San Siro would be a disaster for the Dutch side. Their Brazilian keeper Gomes looks a bit dodgy to me, but as a team they are full of confidence and are odds-on to do the domestic league and cup double. All in all though, the Champions League Semi-Final is a much higher standard than the Dutch league and I fancy Milan to win by a margin of 1.1 to 1.3 goals.