I know this one is sandwiched between the Barca game and it will be difficuilt to re-focus on the league. But this one is crucial for the Scudetto, our most realistic objective.

Juve have Napoli on Sunday night, so there's always potential for them to drop points. But if they don't and we do, then they'll be right on our @sses again.

Catania are slippery buggers, so we can't take this one lightly. We'll have to see who will be availble for the game seeing as Prince, Robs and Nesta had to come off early, hopefully due to fitness more than anything else. I think Abate and VB will be back though so that's a huge Bonus. And if we're winning by a goal or 2 at the 70th minute we can pull them off, make sure they have a good run out before the game against Barca.

Tough game. Not the kind of team you want to have to play on the road between 2 big CL games. They know a win could really have them dreaming of Europe.

I actually think with our minds on Barca, we may slip here. 1-1.

I myself can't focus on this game, let alone the players. It will be very difficult to grab the 3 points.

Abate will be available for this one, Allegri's words.

No word on VB?

We really need him back ASAP. Ambro cannot play this one after the Barca game as well as Roma in the span of 10 days

The most important thing is not to let them catch us out on the counter. That's where they're lethal. I think if we grab a quick goal we might be able to finish this off. The problem is if we let it linger too long

As for focusing, I have to believe that the players can produce their all here as well, letting the CL compromise our league position is not acceptable

I don't think this game is do or die for us. I'd rather not risk some of the players we're gonna need against Barca. Zlatan should play, though.

I think it can serve as a good game to get some players' fitness back on track.

Still it's hugely important for the league, losing points would mean letting Juve back into it. This is the last tricky game for us until the derby. If we manage the 3 points we're basically home free. So that's why I see it as such an important game.

The CL is still a long shot, especially going to Camp Nou to get a result. I still say that the Scudetto must be number one priority, we cannot sacrifice points for Barca

I'd now focus more on Barcelona. Since we didn't loose the first tie and pretty much are still in the game, I'd actually risk this match with a weaker line-up.

We've been playing a "weaker" line-up all season with injuries. We basically don't even have a first 11 at this point. It's not the personnel I'm worried about but the focus. I know it's difficuilt but 3 points is still a must

To be honest, I'm not sure Catania will be a problem. We'll get past them.

But Ibra worries me. He's in a clear decline if you ask me.

He's definately far from his best right now.

But as long as he keeps doing it against the smaller sides than we should be ok in the league

But I think this is partly to do with the fact that he's been playing with a back problem for the past few weeks as well

That's what I'd like to see. I'd rest Seedorf and Nocerino. Nesta, van Bommel and Robinho must be kept healthy for Barça.

Aye. I've been hearing winds Pato may come back for the return leg, who knows?!

it's a shame those same winds may shatter his tibias

I'm not so sure. The guys been seeing a chiropractic, it seems. Alternative medicine for the win!

I'd rest Boateng and start VB for the first 60 minutes, just to get some time on his legs so he isn't rusty.

So mine would be



I'd also rest Antonini, Mesbah should be ok here, this is the highest level that he can be trusted in. Muntari is suspended, so that's definately off the table as an option. If El Shaa could play behind the front 2 I'd drop Ambro, push Urby back and play El Shaa in the hole.

If Ambro can do what he did yesterday again in the 2nd leg than I'd rest him here and start him again on Tuesday

For Barca:



But if we're going to play with 2 strikers, I'd rather it be Maxi, that's why I'd play him against Catania, see what he can do next to Ibra


I've heard hat as well...

Pato would be exactly what's needed against Barca imo, he's the only one that can really burn the Barca defence and score (unless Ibra shows up that is)

Yeah, and for this reason alone I'd love Pato getting a start. Last I heard he postponed any major treatment for off season, and was training hard these past few days. For all I know, the duck may just be fit enough to start playing again. And if he timed his return at the Camp, then he has it in him to to trouble Barcelona.

Problem is that if that is the case, he'll most likely get injured before the game ends

As long as the match is not in San Siro, I have hope. Of him not picking up an injury, that is.

Good point

Look at that goal he scored in the group stage against them, he'd probably have pulled up if he tried to sprint like that at the San Siro

Exactly. I remember Pato sprinting full speed ahead against Napoli after returning from injury an year or so back, and then going down like someone shot him. Anyway, I'd probably hate myself for saying this, but even if he gets injured but scores a goal that sees us through, I'll take it. There. I said it.

Me too. We've been ok without him plus it's not like he won't go down again the following week anyway

Agreed. As long as he is fiery enough in the return leg, I am fairly certain he can finish better than both Ibra and Robinho. And don't even get me started on Emanuelson and his lack of a right foot. Don't get me wrong, all three bring a lot to the table, none more so ever than Ibra, but their shooting left everything to be desired yesterday.

Pato, simple put, for all his injuries, inconsistencies, and bad decision making is still a better (pure) finisher. Give him a half chance in the right location, and he'll finish it for you. Say what people may, the boy's got natural talent. He started the job against Barcelona all those moons back, and I wouldn't mind him finishing it.

That is, provided he gets back and starts. But I have been hearing reports that Pato's been training. Let's see!

Cassano as well trained with the team, so we're getting our attack back these next few weeks

Pato's season is probably over, what are you guys talking about???

Oh, I forgot about Muntari's suspension. So, then I'd play Emanuelson as LCM. Boateng must play as much as possible to get match fitness.

Yeah, that's what I thought, until the last few days. But I've read in places that Pato's back to training, or at the very least, back to full fitness. Relatively speaking, of course, fitness for Pato is a relative thing. You never know they may play him against Barcelona at their home, just for the shock value alone.

Yeah, just read that the doctors will give the final verdict on him on Monday. Him alone will give us an extra edge for the away leg against Barca. Though him and Pato will not be at 100%, they'll have percentages enough, I am sure. More importantly Van Bommel will be back and raring to go, so that's a plus plus.

Says who? give us a source.

They said he's flying to America to see specialists. he hadn't sustained another injury after the last one IINM. should be OK to return to training when he gets back to Italy.

I really don't think so.



No link, just what I hear on various Serie A shows.

Little chance of it I know, but hope doesn't cost anything, right man?!

Here are two links about Pato's situation, both from QSVS journalists that follow Milan closely.

Matteo Colturani: "The statements of Meersseman regarding Pato? I understood they're groping in the dark. Pato won't play for the rest of the season. They haven't understood on the diagnostic level how to stop these recurring injuries".

Link

Cristiano Ruiu: "Pato's comeback? There isn't scheduled any comeback, from here until the rest of the season".

Link

These are very recent statements.

Cassano isn't registered for the CL no?

I haven't the slightest of idea. Will need to take a look at the new list.

I don't think he is. Maxi and El Shaa got in.

Hopefully he starts making a difference in the league, then. And makes a case for the Euros.

If he has to miss the rest of the season (as if he hasn't missed the season up till now!!) so be it. but it bothers me that they're acting like a bunch of clueless idiots in this case. what, is Pato the first athlete in history to have this problem?

I heard it on another forum that he's pushing treatments back for the summer so that he can play now...

Don't know if it's BS, but since acid mentioned it as well I thought it was more than just talk

I hope so. We need all the help we can get right now. Maybe play Pato only in the away games? Since San Siro seems to be one of the main factors in his injuries.

That's the idea. At least, you, me, and Han think so. I don't know man, if Pato has to stay at Milan, it is imperative that he stays injury free. I don't mind injuries that occur due to his internal factors, but external factors have to be pinpointed and minimized.

I was wondering, Ibra has been having back troubles, anyone think it would be ideal if we start Ibra from the bench?

Since Maxi and Robinho are both ok to play, I'd risk starting them and let Ibra rest, if we can't break through in the first half, he can always come on in the second

No, that won't happen under Allegri.

When will Berlusconi learn a bit about football http://football-italia.net/17197/berluscon...rca-style-milan

It's just unecassary and puts the coach under pressure,and embarassing situations..i'd rather he wouldn't watch our matches anymore...

As logical as it sounds, there is less than 1% chance of it happening. Allegri is not the type to take unnecessary risks, not at this stage of the league, not with someone who he considers as vital as Ibra. And besides, I am not sure Ibrahimović would want that, anyway. He's at 22 goals, leading the charts. Less than 1%, as I said.

Robinho should play since we won't need him against Barca. I want us to play with 11.

Agreed, I'd rather we pack in an extra mid against Barca than go for the 2 strikers. I say we play both VB and Ambro instead of Robs

Van Bommel, Seedorf and Nesta are not called up. Boateng and Robinho should start from the bench. Merkel has finally recovered.

Sounds good enough to me. Nice to know about Merkel, as well.

FI