After their respective league victories in England and Italy this weekend, Manchester United and AC Milan will be looking forward to Wednesday night’s Champions League semi-final second leg - as will their anxious fans.

United came from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at Everton, while Milan moved into third place in Serie A with a 1-0 victory at Torino. And after those timely boosts, both teams will feel that they have a good chance of reaching the Final.

Although United hold the edge after a 3-2 first-leg victory, Milan will feel confident too, as they have two away goals and ground advantage at San Siro. They also have an almost-fit squad, after suffering injuries to Gennaro Gattuso and Paolo Maldini at Old Trafford.

'With Kaka and Seedorf in such good nick, Milan can certainly grab a win on Wednesday'


Gattuso has been declared fit and ready to play, though Maldini is said to be a doubt. The loss of those two key players saw Milan’s 2-1 lead over the Red Devils disappear dramatically. However the ‘snarling dog’ has been passed fit, and there is no doubt that he will be running around, picking up those loose balls and trying to block off Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, there are some worried Rossoneri faces regarding the Maldini situation. If Milan don't qualify for the Final, and Maldini isn't passed fit to face United, he might already have played his last Champions League game, without anyone realising it. It would be sad to see someone of his experience bow out after being substituted at half-time due to injury. Neutrals around the world feel that someone of Maldini’s calibre deserves at least one last title to his name - and one last game for him to be remembered as the great player he is.

Carlo Ancelotti managed to rest most of the squad on Saturday evening, with Clarence Seedorf playing only 65 minutes and Massimo Ambrosini 45. There are suggestions that Filippo Inzaghi may start on Wednesday as Alberto Gilardino played the full 90 minutes alongside cup-tied Ronaldo. And Kaka didn't even step onto the field, along with Massimo Oddo, while Marek Jankulovski came on for the last 15 minutes or so.

Alessandro Nesta, Dida, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele Bonera played the whole game - and Carlo can be proud of a fine performance from Nesta. After four months out on the sidelines, he has come back in fine fashion, and is proving why he is one of the best in the world. Bonera, who could possibly play in the centre of defence alongside Nesta if Maldini isn't passed fit, had a steady game, too.

But the players to watch will be Seedorf and Kaka, as the two are in great form. Seedorf had a great first half against Torino, scoring the winner and netting his eighth goal of the season - his personal best in top-flight football. The Dutchman, frustrating at times, has picked the right moment to hit form this season as the game against Bayern Munich was the turning point.

Kaka, who is fully rested and in fine form, is looking forward to the United clash just as much as the fans. And with him and Seedorf in such good nick, Milan can certainly grab a win on Wednesday. They have never lost at home to United, their last victory coming in 2005 when Hernan Crespo’s goal gave them a 1-0 victory. Here are all the statistics.

United, who have been forced to field a makeshift defence in recent games, have been boosted by the possible return of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, and Gary Neville could also be back. But Patrice Evra will miss the trip as he will be serving his suspension.

Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo will be a thorn once again in Milan's side, as both are in great form. It will be left for Nesta to prove his class and hold that defence together. His leadership and skills will be required on the night more than ever if the immortal captain Maldini doesn't return in time.

An exciting clash is in prospect and both teams can hold their heads high. Who will win the second battle between Kaka and Ronaldo? Which defence will hold their wits and remain calm? Who will make the Final? There are so many questions - and they can only be answered on Wednesday night. One thing is certain - it’s bound to be a classic.

Milan or Manchester United - who will make the Final? And can they beat Liverpool or Chelsea to become European champions? Let Sportingo have your views.