Champions League

Preview: Barcelona vs. AC Milan

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 03 April 2012

AC Milan head to the Nou Camp this evening with the away goal in their favour. Here, Sports Mole examines Milan's chances of knocking out the reigning European champions.

Last week AC Milan managed to do what many other teams have failed to do this season - prevent Lionel Messi and Barcelona from finding the net.

As a result, Milan head to the Nou Camp this evening with the away goal in their favour.

Hosts Barcelona are expected to welcome back captain Carles Puyol, who will slot in at centre-back alongside Gerard Pique.

Cesc Fabregas is also available following a back complaint that had limited his participation in recent matches.

Milan are without Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, allowing veteran centre-back Alessandro Nesta to continue in his role at the heart of the defence.

Young striker Alexandre Pato has also recovered from a muscular problem to take his place in the away side's squad.

Barca have not lost home European fixture since 2009, when they were beaten 2-1 by Rubin Kazan.

Current form:

Barcelona: WWWWDW
AC Milan: WWDWDD

Possible lineups:

Barcelona: Valdes; Dani Alves, Pique, Puyol, Adriano; Thiago, Busquets, Iniesta; Sanchez, Messi, Cesc

AC Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Mexes, Antonini; Seedorf, Ambrosini, Nocerino; Boateng; Ibrahimovic, Robinho

Sports Mole says: 2-1