Tonight’s Champions League fixture between Barcelona and AC Milan will be the litmus test for both Pep Guardiola and Massimiliano Allegri as they prepare the team’s for what is probably the biggest game of the season.
Milan captain Ambrosini has revealed that they won’t man mark Barca’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi. Despite being the danger man, Ambrosini believes that it will be hard for Milan to monitor his every move.
“Messi is a unique player with the ball at his feet; one cannot think of trying to stop him,” he said during the pre-match press conference.
“So, I do not think we will assign someone with the role of stopping him.”
Allegri on his part has gone a step further in saying that the winner of tonight’s fixture will be one of the finalists.
“It’s a fascinating game because it is between two of the strongest teams around,”
“Whoever wins this game will probably go on to reach the final.” he said.
Barcelona on the other hand will not be taking any chances, this is according to coach Pep Guardiola. Guardiola believes Milan will at least score one goal and as such has instructed his front line to make use of all the chances that come their way.
“I’m pretty sure that they are going to get a goal and so it is down to us to try and find the way to create chances because if they have to defend with eight players in the penalty then they will do,”
“Our plan is the same as normal, to go out to try and win and play our football while at the same time aware that we are up against an excellent side.”
Some team news now. The pressure is obviously on Barcelona. The Blaugrana have not lost a home European tie since 2009 when they defeated 2-1 by Rubin Kazan.
The Catalans are likely to go with a 4-3-3 formation with Alves, Pique, Puyol and Adriano at the back, Thiago Busquets and Iniesta in midfield and an attack that includes Sanchez, Messi and Cesc.
Milan on the other hand will play a 4-3-1-2 formation with Abate, Nesta, Mexes and Antonini at the back, Seedorf, Nocerino Ambrosini in front of them, and Boateng playing right behind Robinho and Ibrahimovic.
My prediction, 1-1. I believe this will be an interesting match with lots of chances for both sides and i also have to agree with Allegri, the winner of this match will be among the finalists.
photo credit © gary8345
