[dst]

Recent previous meetings:
2011/2012 :: Quarter-finals :: FC Barcelona - AC Milan 3:1
2011/2012 :: Quarter-finals :: AC Milan - FC Barcelona 0:0
2011/2012 :: Group H :: AC Milan - FC Barcelona 2:3
2011/2012 :: Group H :: FC Barcelona - AC Milan 2:2
2005/2006 :: Semi-finals :: FC Barcelona - AC Milan 0:0
2005/2006 :: Semi-finals :: AC Milan - FC Barcelona 0:1
2004/2005 :: Group F :: FC Barcelona - AC Milan 2:1
2004/2005 :: Group F :: AC Milan - FC Barcelona 1:0

Milan have not won in any of the previous 7 meetings.

Milan: WWWDW
Barcelona: WDDWW

Possible line-ups:
Milan: "Some Allegri Cr**" - han or "Something only Mourinho could best" - Kurt
Barcelona: Whatever Pep did

[X-Offender]

Someone had this line-up on Facebook:

(IMG:https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184297_533766813313303_830499630_n.png)

I like it. I just hope though that Ambrosini doesn't play. He can't cut it at this level anymore.

[drucurl]

can we continue slagging off Allegri here....or do we really need to let this game happen first? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Jack Bauer]

Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy has returned to training today ahead of their match against Barcelona on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old striker was rested for Friday's win over Parma with knee tendon damage.

But the Italy international has seemingly got over his injury woes having taken full-part in the Rossoneri's session this morning.

It is still unclear though whether El Shaarawy will be fit enough to start against the Blaugrana.

http://www.football-italia.net/30924/el-sh...eturns-training

[Rossoneri7]

SES will play.

I hope for a 1-1 draw in this fixture. We will concede just hope its just a goal.

However, in a realistic scenario, given this squad, I see us loosing this one 1-5. Messi with a hattrick even (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[X-Offender]

I think we'll draw, last season-style.

[KillerMax]

I think we might concede 2 or 3 in the least, but I'm hoping for a win obviously.

[X-Offender]

Imagine if we pull a Chelsea. I mean, they were crap last season as well (ended up 5th in the league), but managed to actually beat Barça at home and tie at Camp Nou. It's nearly impossible, I know, but one can dream.

[han2503]

SES will play.

I hope for a 1-1 draw in this fixture. We will concede just hope its just a goal.

However, in a realistic scenario, given this squad, I see us loosing this one 1-5. Messi with a hattrick even (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I don't see the squad as being the problem. If they're set out right I think we should do decently.

It all depends on the guys Allegri chooses and the tactics he chooses to deploy. If he picks the likes of Muntari to start in midfield then the writing is already on the wall before the match even kicks off.

I seriously hope he does not go for the usual 4-3-3. THAT would seriously be suicidal. Either start with a xmas tree set-up or use the typical 4-3-1-2 and I seriously do not want to see Niang in this one. Pazzini HAS to be the one to start upfront

Personally I'd like to see this

Abate--Mexes--Zapata--Constant*
Flamini--Monto--Nocerino
Prince--SES
Pazzini

Flamini and Nocerino would seriously need to do a double-up job with the FBs and help them out big time. If these 2 drop off to help out the FBs then Prince and SES would then drop deeper and help out Monto in the center.

Pazzini will be starved 99.99% of the time, but if he can work hard by dropping deep and putting pressure on their defenders/midfielders and then hold up the ball when we actually win it back he'd be worth as much as a goal.

If we want to at least give this a shot than going out 4-3-3 like we do in the league and playing the brainless football we usually do then yes, expect a spanking similar to the one you predicted up here.

Keep it tight and use the ball wisely on the rare occasions that we have it, using setpiece situations to their fullest will give us a whisper of a chance. But players like Muntari, Niang, Traore, Yepes, etc need to be kept out at all costs.

I put a * next to Constant because I'm seriously worried about him. His defensive qualities have rarely been put to the test and I seriously feel that he could be turned inside out here. That being said, I have no idea who could start instead. DS is the only name that comes to mind who can do a decent defensive job but throwing him out there in such a tie could be a huge mistake. One thing's for sure, the midfielder playing on the left side will have to work his @ss off

[X-Offender]

Constant will be MoM.

[Zed.D]

Gee! what's with this positive attitude around here? pull a Chelsea? draw? win?

You'll find the reality such a ***** when they score 3 past us.

Possible line-ups:
Milan: "Some Allegri Cr**" - han or "Something only Mourinho could best" - Kurt
Barcelona: Whatever Pep did

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

Last season Ambrosini played a crucial role against Barcelona. I think he can reprise his showing.

[kurtsimonw]

Gee! what's with this positive attitude around here? pull a Chelsea? draw? win?

Depends how they play. If they show the same arrogance like the SF 2nd leg in 2010 and 2012 then we can stand some sort of chance. If they really go for it they we'll lose both legs.

[Rossoneri7]

Last season Ambrosini played a crucial role against Barcelona. I think he can reprise his showing.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) Blasphemy, he is 30+ he is sh1te!

I don't see the squad as being the problem. If they're set out right I think we should do decently.

It all depends on the guys Allegri chooses and the tactics he chooses to deploy. If he picks the likes of Muntari to start in midfield then the writing is already on the wall before the match even kicks off.

I seriously hope he does not go for the usual 4-3-3. THAT would seriously be suicidal. Either start with a xmas tree set-up or use the typical 4-3-1-2 and I seriously do not want to see Niang in this one. Pazzini HAS to be the one to start upfront

Personally I'd like to see this

Abate--Mexes--Zapata--Constant*
Flamini--Monto--Nocerino
Prince--SES
Pazzini

Flamini and Nocerino would seriously need to do a double-up job with the FBs and help them out big time. If these 2 drop off to help out the FBs then Prince and SES would then drop deeper and help out Monto in the center.

Pazzini will be starved 99.99% of the time, but if he can work hard by dropping deep and putting pressure on their defenders/midfielders and then hold up the ball when we actually win it back he'd be worth as much as a goal.

If we want to at least give this a shot than going out 4-3-3 like we do in the league and playing the brainless football we usually do then yes, expect a spanking similar to the one you predicted up here.

Keep it tight and use the ball wisely on the rare occasions that we have it, using setpiece situations to their fullest will give us a whisper of a chance. But players like Muntari, Niang, Traore, Yepes, etc need to be kept out at all costs.

I put a * next to Constant because I'm seriously worried about him. His defensive qualities have rarely been put to the test and I seriously feel that he could be turned inside out here. That being said, I have no idea who could start instead. DS is the only name that comes to mind who can do a decent defensive job but throwing him out there in such a tie could be a huge mistake. One thing's for sure, the midfielder playing on the left side will have to work his @ss off

Ever considered coaching Milan? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[mallamkay]

If we lose by a decent margin over the 2 legs, it won't make any news.
However, if we beat dem over d 2 legs, nomatter how we do it (even if it is a handball goal or own goal) then that is big NEWS.


And I hope against hope that we make d big news