Barcelona vs. AC Milan: Milan Too Thin to Deal with Stout Barcelona Side

Barcelona and AC Milan are doing us all a favor in meeting up and giving us a good show. Their "group of death" woes are our entertaining delights. This will be a tightly fought match, with Milan failing from a thin roster in the end. 

Barcelona offer the pinnacle of football. They are what any side would hope to attain, and that is not hyperbole. They are deep, gaining a super sub of sorts in Arsenal's former captain, Cesc Fabregas. 

Fabregas would be like the New York Yankees receiving Prince Fielder in a trade then playing him as a frequently used backup. Their depth would know no bounds.

They are also one of the most creative sides. When you have Xavi and Iniesta toying in the midfield only to find Lionel Messi with one of their superb passes, you know you are seeing greatness.

This is not to say that AC Milan are without their stars. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a stout striker that can muscle his way in the box. 

Robinho is a diminutive winger that blazes the pitch and opens the field. Milan are a spectacle to watch when both are at top form.

On Tuesday, when Group H play opens, both will be out. 

Sports Illustrated reports both stars will be unfit to play in the opener, putting a pall on any hope that Milan may have had. 

Sure, there is Alexandre Pato and Kevin-Prince Boateng to rely on, but that is simply not enough. Milan can beat Barcelona, but not at the Camp Nou and not with a porous roster. 

Barcelona is in for a rough fight on Tuesday. Milan are playing for points and prestige. The Rossoneri have been told they are a lesser side by everyone with an opinion. Their rash of injuries to their top stars doesn't help that any. 

Milan will deliver their best punch. On Tuesday, that punch will not be nearly enough.