AC Milan: Predicting the Starting 11 vs. Barcelona

After opening Serie A on Friday with a 2-2 draw at home to Lazio, AC Milan face a much sterner test in Europe this week as they travel to the Nou Camp, taking on European champions Barcelona.

Barcelona also drew their weekend match 2-2, away at Real Sociedad, after surrendering a 2-0 goal advantage gained after just 11 minutes. New signing Cesc Fabregas has been on fire recently, but the Spanish giants were dealt a huge blow when Alexis Sanchez was ruled out for two months.

Having fielded a relatively weak team at Sociedad, Barcelona will have fresh first-team players ready to take on AC Milan.

AC Milan are not without injury problems too, as their star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been ruled out with an adductor injury. The big Swede hasn't travelled.

On a positive note, Gianluca Zambrotta, Clarence Seedorf and Taye Taiwo have travelled, but it remains to be seen how fit they really are.

I predict Massimiliano Allegri will keep changes to a minimum as his AC Milan side overcame a sloppy opening 20 minutes at the San Siro on Friday to turn in a good performance. 

Goalkeeper: Christian Abbiati

There's no denying it—he didn't look at all assured during AC Milan's season opener and could have done better in preventing goals.

I expect Christian Abbiati to retain his spot though. Marco Amelia is no better and whilst visiting Barcelona, Allegri may well rely on Abbiati's experience.

Then again, I'm not sure it matters who you have in the goal when you come up against Barcelon—they're almost certain to score.

Centre Back Pairing: Silva/Nesta

Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta started the opener against Lazio, and I don't expect much to change. 

With Philippe Mexes remaining injured, the two other centre-backs who travelled to Spain are Daniele Bonera and Mario Yepes. Allegri will be cursing if he has to resort to using one of these two as they are far from the standard Silva and Nesta set.

Thiago Silva is fit and agile and should fare well against Barcelona, but Alessandro Nesta should be careful. A deep line may well be a necessity for this game as Barcelona have a number of players capable of springing the offside trap when you least expect it.

Full Backs: Antonini/Abate

Although both Taye Taiwo and Gianluca Zambrotta have travelled with the squad, I don't expect either to start. Ignazio Abate is the first choice right-back ahead of World Cup winner Zambrotta and Taiwo could be a big risk.

Nevermind how poor Antonini is—introducing Taiwo for his first competitive start in the team in a game like this could produce a sizeable backfire.

Besides, Antonini is a little more cautious than Taiwo in bombing forward, so perhaps he is the right option. 

Midfield Trio: Nocerino/Ambrosini/van Bommel

I've elected to predict two changes to the midfielders who started Friday's game.

One is enforced: Gennaro Gattuso is banned for 4 European games, following a headbutt to Tottenham Hotspur coach Joe Jordan.

Antonio Nocerino, seen by many as the natural replacement to Rino, should start in midfield.

The other starter I predict is Mark van Bommel. Alberto Aquilani was very, very impressive in his debut at the San Siro but, justifiably, there are many concerns about his commitments in tracking back and questions about his ball-winning abilities.

In the game AC Milan are about to play, tracking back, chasing and ball-winning is essential. Mark van Bommel would sit nicely alongside Massimo Ambrosini and Antonio Nocerino. A midfield trio of hardworking, dedicated men is essential to any success AC Milan hope to enjoy at the Nou Camp.

Considering van Bommel took in a season at Barcelona, he could have some fire in his belly that, if channelled correctly, will help AC Milan's battle tenfold in midfield.

Attacking Midfield: K-P Boateng

Allegri likes Boateng, and he's playing well for AC Milan.

Were Clarence Seedorf 100 percent fit with games under his belt, I'd be tempted to say Allegri might opt for the evergreen professional. But as it stands, a substitute appearance looks as good as it gets for the Dutchman.

Allegri will hope that Boateng can do two things for AC Milan: Step up a level and prove his skills against the world's best—and work hard for the team (something he has traditionally had problems with).

Either way, whether AC Milan come away with a three, one or zero points—the onus will not be on Boateng to perform.

Strikers: Pato/Cassano

Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffering an injury on the eve of the game is bad for AC Milan on paper, but with hard work, grit and determination needed across the board, it could be a blessing in disguise.

Alexandre Pato needs to have a season to remember as people's memory of his future potential fades, being replaced with increased frustration that he does not perform to the level many believe he can.

He does work hard though, and the same can be said for Antonio Cassano. The defending will start from the front at the Camp Nou, so these two putting in a shift will be vital.

Thanks for reading. As you can see, I haven't opted for any changes that aren't forced except for van Bommel stepping in for the defensively inept Aquilani. Who do you think Allegri will field?