Pre Match
October 22, 2013 7:45 PM BST
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — Milano
Referee: F. Brych
Highlights & Full Match Replay – Available after the match
The Serie A side AC Milan , host the La liga champion , FC Barcelona with a number of first-team stars sidelined..
One of the most attractive matches of the third round which will be played at the an Siro between multiple European champions AC Milan and FC Barcelona. The two teams which are currently at the top of Group H, but Barca have a maximum six points, while Rossoneri collected two points less.
There still needs to be added that in the last three years these two teams meet regularly in this contest, and much more successful was Barcelona who celebrated three times, while AC Milan one once and one time it was a draw.
Otherwise, the home team , AC Milan plays very variable at the beginning of the season, especially in Serie A so it is no surprise that after eight rounds Rossineri take only the eighth place, with only 11 points.
Specifically, they are bad on tour where they recorded two losses and as many draws , while at home they are defeated by Napoli . In the remaining three matches they were celebrating over Cagliari and Sampdoria , and last weekend against Udinese .
For the coach Allegri, certainly the biggest problem at the moment are numerous absences and so this match due to injury will miss Christian Abbiati (calf) , Daniele Bonera, Mattia De Sciglio, Giampaolo Pazzini (all knee) , Mario Balotell and Stephan El Shaarawy (foot).
AC Milan probable lineup : Amelia; Abate, Zapata, Mexès, Constant; Montolivo, De Jong, Muntari; Birsa, Kaká; Robinho
As for Barcelona, only the last weekend the Catlans made their first blunder of the season, in domestic championship where they played only 0-0 away against Osasuna.
In fact, before that, in the seven rounds of Primera the Catalans recorded the same number of victories with which they occupied the first place, while in the Champions League they celebrated in matches with Ajax and Celtic.
However, the last championship match with Osasuna showed the first weakness in this great team which is also somehow connected to the scattered frequent injuries of their key players Lionel Messi.
Otherwise, Barca on Saturday expects a big derby against Real Madrid, known as the El Clasico, so there can be some certain changes in the first team, but we still believe that the coach Martino at San Siro will send the strongest lineup.
Barcelona probable lineup : Valdés; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Adriano; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Neymar.
Match Prediction : Considering a lot of problems with the injuries , AC Milan will have a tough night. Barca to win, and as another option over 2,5 goals seems like a good choice.