CL PREVIEW: AC MILAN vs BARCELONA – 23rd Nov 2011

As ever, Barca will be relying on their consistently-reliable star, Lionel Messi, who has added five goals and two assists in the Champions League to his 14 goals and five assists in the La Liga to make him one of the most prolific goal scorers this year. The Milan back-line is certain to be tested sorely by the Argentine genius. Milan could give a start to midfielder Alberto Aquilani who starred as a substitute in the first leg, in the process exposing Barca’s defensive midfielders who were unable to keep pace with Aquilani. Midfield possession could be the key as proved by Barca who hung on to the ball for three quarters of the game and that pushed Milan on the defensive thereby allowing Barca to get escape with a draw. Drawing lessons from that game, Milan might opt for attack as the best defensive strategy against a marauding Barca front-line. Both teams are relatively injury free as compared with the first leg and Milan are likely to find a fit Barca hard team to contain, especially with the return to football action by Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez. Betting opportunities in this one? Well, I expect plenty of goals here (at least three, so over 3.0 @ around 2.40 looks tasty) and Milan not to lose @ around 2.30 looks yummy too!]]>