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UCL 5IVER: Stage is set for fifth and final Milan Derby as Los Blancos and free-scoring City renew hostilities  

In this week’s edition of the UCL 5IVER, Desh looks at the various impacts of danger men; Karim Benzema, Edin Dzeko and Rafale Leao, who is expected to return for the second leg of the Milan Derby, and more.
UCL

In this week’s edition of the UCL 5IVER, Desh looks at the various impacts of danger men; Karim Benzema, Edin Dzeko and Rafale Leao, who is expected to return for the second leg of the Milan Derby, and more.

Jamie Moore's Diary - jockey talks Goshen and Ascot rides

The San Siro is set to stage its final major tie before being demolished and I am certain those in attendance are set for a historic night. Inter Milan raced to a two-goal lead with just 11 minutes on the clock over their cross-city rivals.

AC Milan come into the Derby Della Madonnina with just a single win from their previous five fixtures, across all competitions. Furthermore, the Rossoneri have recorded just one shutout during that spell, and I can’t see them building on that in this one.

On the weekend, Stefano Pioli’s men succumbed to relegation threatened Spezia, which prompted the Milan Ultras to vocalise their feelings. I have no doubt they will be as passionate as ever, albeit in the away section for this one.

Encouraging news on Leao injury update

Rafael Leao has committed his future to AC Milan, penning a long-term deal with the Italian giants. The talisman will have his work cut out for him, in his first appearance under his new contract, as he is tasked with overturning Inter’s two-goal cushion with a spot in the UCL final all to play for. The Portugal winger was ruled out of their first leg clash, following an injury sustained during domestic duty, but is bound to have a part to play in this one.

Inter to rely on Vintage Dzeko 

Edin Dzeko has been a constant supply of goals for Inter Milan this outfit and is showing no signs of slowing down. During his 47 appearances for the Nerazzuri this season, Dzeko has been involved in 19 goals, scoring 14 and assisting a further 5. The forward was an unused substitute for their weekend tie with Sassuolo in the Italian topflight, pointing to his inclusion in the team for their Champions League battle with Milan.

Karim Benzema – Rested in mid-week and raring to go

Karim Benzema has proven his worth to the Madridstas season in, season out. Above all else, the serial goal scorer has demonstrated his prolific ability in Europe’s coveted cup competition. Across his previous 11 UCL knockout phase matches, Benzema has bagged 14 goals across and I back him to add to that when the Spanish club take on Manchester City.

Gundogan focused on City… for now

İlkay Gündoğan has been getting involved in the thick of things. The Manchester City midfielder has returned 4 goals and 2 assists across his previous 3 appearances, across all competitions. With the German international out of contract at the Etihad at the end of the season, he will have added motivation to give his all for these all-important final few fixtures.

1000+ goals for City under Pep!

Manchester City have scored 3 or more goals in 4 of their 5 UCL appearances at the Etihad this season. Indeed, Guardiola’s men have scored 20 home tournament goals – the most from all clubs in the competition. Frighteningly, half of those have come in their previous 2 bouts and I think that trend continues when Madrid enter the frame. Erling Haaland has delivered 7 goals and an assist across his previous 4 tournament appearances.

Jamie Moore's Diary - jockey talks Goshen and Ascot rides
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