Barcelona vs AC Milan Preview – 2011 Champions League

The prime match-up in Tuesday’s Champions League group matches will no doubt be Barcelona vs AC Milan. As two of Europe’s most storied clubs, each have a legitimate claim to pursuing this year’s Champions League title. Kevin-Prince Boateng has claimed that Barcelona are not unbeatable, and the Serie A side certainly have a star studded roster at their disposal to try to get the upset on Tuesday.

Barcelona and AC Milan are two of the Champions League's two most successful teams, and Tuesday's match will go a long way in deciding which will finish the group in top position

Barcelona v AC Milan

Barcelona Team News & Stats

As the defending champions, Barcelona enter the competition as clear favorites. A 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad over the weekend was uncharacteristic to say the least, especially after going up 2-0. Gerald Pique and new signing Alexis Sanchez both won’t be available for Tuesday’s AC Milan vs Barcelona clash, but Carlos Puyol is fit to play following his knee injury. Barcelona have not lost at Camp Nou in 10 games and will look to bring the same type of performance that saw them out Milan in the 2006 Champions League semifinals.

AC Milan Team News & Stats

AC Milan also enter the match on a 2-2 draw in their season debut at home at the San Siro. They managed to pull back to 2-2 after going down 2-0 in the first half, but they failed to build upon that in the second half. Allegri will be without his main scoring threat Ibrahimovic as well as team leader Gattuso following the suspension he picked up against Tottenham last season. That means that Pato and Cassano could partner up front for Milan, with Robinho also expected to miss out. The visitors have failed to score in each of their past 3 Champions League games, and a tough challenge lays ahead heading into the defending champions’ backyard.

If you’re looking to bet on Barcelona v AC Milan, odds on Bet365 place Barcelona as heavy favorites on 2/7, the draw is valued at 9/2 while AC Milan to win stands at an attractive 10/1. Barcelona should bounce back from the shock draw they suffered against Real Sociedad to play some champagne football against the Italian giants. Barcelona vs AC Milan prediction: Barcelona win 3-1.

If you plan to watch Barcelona vs AC Milan live, tune in on Tuesday at 19:45 BST. Let us know your Champions League 2011 predictions for this match below.