To Barcelona, with Love

All too soon the 2nd leg is upon us and our bunch of gallant warriors have to travel to the proverbial lion’s den to take on the might of Catalonia. After that game a week ago, our boys have to bring a repeat over 90 mins, and be sharper at the other end to have any chance of progressing.


INJURY SITUATION
It goes without saying these days that Milan has a lengthy injury list, and it would be superfluous to list it. A piece of news which we’re not quite sure how to receive is the return of everyone’s little Duck. After travelling barely a week ago to the States to seek a solution and returning match fit; something doesn’t quite add up but Allegri has allegedly watched him in training and hopefully would make a decision not influenced with pressure from the top. Abate made a solid comeback against Catania over the weekend , whilst Nesta and Seedorf were rested. Van Bommel’s back means Ambrosini would have to play his 3rd game tonight in six days; can you keep up, Skipper?

LINE-Ups
Abbiati in goal, no-brainer. There was a period over the weekend during the Catania game when he was limping and Amelia was seen warming up; a recipe for countless Milanista cardiac failures. Thankfully, he continued and Allegri has mentioned he’ s ok. There seems to be a real dilemma at Right-back, something unthinkable just a few weeks ago; but such is Bonera’s current form. The default would be to start Abate; he’s got pace, offers more going forward, and he’s not Bonera. However, Bonera has put in admirable shifts over the past few weeks at both Right and Center back, and has proven to be defensively solid. Besides, Abate is prone to the occasional brain fart; as we’ve seen against Barcelona in the 1st leg and against Inter(twice). Still, I’d go with Abate, if for nothing for what he provides in the other box. The rest of the defence basically picks itself, plus the midfield as well. A part of me says Noce shouldn’t start, as he’s been decidedly average the past few weeks and does not seem capable of holding onto the ball. Urby should be an option, but he’s suspect defensively. The other, not so real dilemma is do we keep Binhoo in the 11, or bring in the Italo-Egyptian? I say keep Binho; despite everything he’s a menace whan he decides to turn up. Maybe we even get to see the Duck somewhere down the line? So here goes(4-3-1-2)
Abbiati,Abate,Nesta,Mexes,Antonini,Nocerino,Ambrosini,Seedorf,Boateng,Binho,Ibra

BARCA
No matter who plays, they’re Barcelona. Short, crisp, patient passing able to break most teams; though if Xavi’s really out it’s a kind of teeny-weeny boost. Fabregas should be back though, to form a front 3 with Messi and Sanchez.

THE GAME
Should be a cagey one, this. Obviously we’re gonna sit deep and defend with and for our lives; whilst there are going to keep possession and try to bore our defense to death with their neat, little passing. They’re going to get a lot of space down either flank, but as we saw in the 1st leg, they don’t utilize space on the wings very well. They would have a “proper” pitch to weave their passes and mazy runs around us. It’s going to be an intriguing tactical battle; and it’s difficult to judge how it might pan out. Either way, however; we would leave having given Barcelona at least three good games.

Qualification is very, very, possible, tangible even. The rest of the world is refusing to harbor that possibility; so it’s up to us to get there, get stuck in; and come back with Pep’s bald head on a platter






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