AC Milan: Predicting the Starting XI Against Napoli

AC Milan return to action on Sunday following an incredible come-from-behind draw against Barcelona in the Champions League, and the reward is not necessarily a good one.

Milan now turn their attention to one of their two toughest rivals for the Scudetto this season, Napoli.

The Azzurri are looking strong this year, much better than the team that finished third last year, and are a dangerous threat for the title.

The problem for Milan is the abundance of injuries currently plaguing the squad. Because of this, the team will not be at its best this Sunday.

Milan will do what it can to pull out a victory on Sunday, especially after taking only a draw against a revived Lazio squad. It will be difficult, but they have the pieces to put out a strong lineup.

Here is what Massimiliano Allegri's XI may look like tomorrow.

Goalkeeper: Christian Abbiati

The two goals against Barcelona are not Abbiati's fault in any sense of the word.

The Italian played very well and was the victim of Gianluca Zambrotta taking an in-game nap and David Villa looking like Andrea Pirlo on a free kick.

Going up against Napoli with arguably the greatest attack in Italy will be a test of Abbiati's resolve. We've seen him come through before on many occasions.

Left Back: Luca Antonini

With Taye Taiwo still out, Milan will continue to go left back by committee.

It was terrible to watch Gianluca Zambrotta stand there as Pedro flew towards the goal and smashed home the initial equalizer at Camp Nou.

Antonini is not the player he was two seasons ago, but he still has the ability to show some quality. Let's hope he does so against Napoli.

Right Back: Ignazio Abate

Ignazio Abate did well in Tuesday's Champions League match having to defend the great Lionel Messi, arguably the most talented player ever.

More and more, people are starting to recognize the 24-year-old as the soon to be world-class fullback that he is.

The fact that this kid hasn't found his way into Cesare Prandelli's setup with the national team is absolutely baffling! Having Abate only makes your team better!

Center Back: Thiago Silva

After denying Barcelona this summer, Thiago Silva denied them the three points they thought they had wrapped up on Tuesday.

In stoppage time, the Brazilian came up for a corner and as he has done several times before, he smashed home a venomous header that leveled the score at 2-2 and that's how the match ended.

Silva continues to make his case as the best center back in the world, and the lad who will be 27 this week is not far from that.

Center Back: Alessandro Nesta

Nesta was vital to Milan's success in Spain, proving that even as he gets older, he still has it.

With Philippe Mexes still unable to make his Milan debut, Nesta still has his name on the lineup card.

Until Mexes can make his debut, it is all Nesta in the partnership with Thiago Silva.

Defensive Midfielder: Mark Van Bommel

Quite an obvious choice in the selections for Allegri.

Van Bommel is the only available defensive midfielder with captain Massimo Ambrosini out with a dislocated shoulder. There is no way Van Bommel doesn't play in Sunday's game.

Center Midfielder: Alberto Aquilani

Aquilani has impressed so far at Milan.

The Italian, on loan from Liverpool, has played in both possible games for Milan thus far and has proven that his inclusion is vital to Milan as it provides a chance for great possibilities out of the midfield.

Aquilani being in the lineup is a huge boost for the Rossoneri.

Center Midfielder: Antonio Nocerino

Nocerino has been quite impressive thus far for Milan.

The surprise signing from Palermo held his own against both Lazio and Barcelona and has been a pleasant surprise in the midfield.

His form cancels the need to rely heavily on Gennaro Gattuso, Mathieu Flamini when he returns, and others.

Trequartista: Clarence Seedorf

With Kevin-Prince Boateng out, Clarence Seedorf is most likely to take his place behind the forwards.

Not only that, with Massimo Ambrosini out, Seedorf will be the captain as he normally is. The Dutchman has worn the armband quite regularly with the retirement of Paolo Maldini and due to Ambro's constant injury struggles.

Seedorf has plenty of experience in a trequartista role and should be fine against Napoli.

Striker: Stephan El Shaarawy

As has been highly anticipated, El Shaarawy may get his first appearance for Milan against Napoli.

The 18-year-old joined from Genoa this summer and is sure to get a start to his bright Milan career in the near future.

Many are excited about the prospect of the Egyptian-Venezuelan-Italian making his career at Milan the best he can. Star forward Alexandre Pato even thinks that one day, El Shaarawy may be better than he ever will be.

Milanista worldwide are looking forward to Stephan's debut and with Antonio Cassano being so stagnant in his play, the debut may come on Sunday.

Striker: Alexandre Pato

Ibrahimovic and Robinho are both hurt, therefore, this is just an obvious statement saying Pato will start.

It would be either way. Pato is on his way to being one of, if not the best goal scorers in the world.

The young Brazilian netted 24 seconds into Tuesday's draw, the fifth fastest goal in Champions League history and the fastest goal ever at Barcelona's sacred Camp Nou.

Pato is easily one of the best scorers in the world and Milan will need his firepower if they want to win Sunday.