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AC Milan will be hoping to make the most of their home advantage when they entertain Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg tie on Wednesday.

The Rossoneri are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run in the Italian Serie A, and will be aiming to translate this into their Champions League campaign against for many the best team on the European continent.

Milan, who were eliminated from the 2011-12 Champions League by Barcelona at the quarter-final stage, understand that unless they claim a victory at the San Siro on Wednesday, their chances of returning from the Camp Nou with qualification in the bag will be minimal.

Because of this, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri will field a compact starting eleven, with attacking tendencies, rather than traditional defensive ones, even though numerous players from his squad will miss the game due to varying reasons.

Mario Balotelli, who has been in exceptional form since joining Milan from Manchester City is cup-tied, while Nigel de Jong continues to be sidelined through a long-term ankle injury.

Centre-back Daniele Bonera and Brazilian striker Robinho are in serious doubt of missing out as well, through thigh and knee injuries, respectively.

Meanwhile, talented youngster Stephan El Shaarawy sustained a recent knee injury as well, but is expected to recover just in time for Milan's most important match of the season up until now. His most likely strike-partner will be Giampaolo Pazzini.

Rivals Barcelona have few selection problems to worry about, with the most significant being the absences of David Villa and Adriano. Both players remain in Spain to recover from a thigh injury, in Adriano's case, and Villa from illness.

Huge news for the Catalans is that playmaker Xavi has recovered from a hamstring problem and will reinforce Barcelona's machine-like midfield.

Star player Lionel Messi, who scored twice in the 2-1 victory over Granada on the weekend, will be provided with assistance from Pedro and Andres Iniesta in Barca's intimidating attack.

Milan's last four matches

Feb 15, 2013: Milan 2-1 Parma (Serie A)

Feb 10, 2013: Cagliari 1-1 Milan (Serie A)

Feb 3, 2013: Milan 2-1 Udinese (Serie A)

Jan 27, 2013: Atalanta 0-1 Milan (Serie A)

Barcelona's last four matches

Feb 16, 2013: Granada 1-2 Barcelona (La Liga)

Feb 10, 2013: Barcelona 6-1 Getafe (La Liga)

Feb 3, 2013: Valencia 1-1 Barcelona (La Liga)

Jan 30, 2013: Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona (Copa del Rey)

Facts

- Milan faced Barca four times in the 2011-12 Champions League, losing twice and drawing the other two games.

- Barcelona are on an impressive eight-game unbeaten run against Milan in all competitions.

Prediction

Milan 0-2 Barcelona

Milan vs Barcelona Match Statistics

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