The lineups are in for the UEFA Champions League encounter between AC Milan and Barcelona, and there are a few surprises. Max Allegri and Pep Guardiola are managers known more for their ideas with player selection than decisions with formations, and that holds true this evening. Carles Puyol will play right back for Barcelona, while it's up in the air who plays where along their forward line. Allegri has selected an interesting looking midfield, including the surprisingly fit Kevin-Prince Boateng, while Robinho keeps his place over Pato. Here are the lineups.
Barcelona Lineup (4-3-3): Valdes; Abidal, Mascherano, Busquets, Puyol; Keita, Xavi, Thiago; Villa, Fabregas, Messi
AC Milan Lineup (4-4-2 Diamond): Abbiati; Zambrotta, Nesta, Silva, Abate; Van Bommel, Seedorf, Aquilani, Boateng; Ibrahimovic, Robinho
Could this perhaps mark a return to Messi playing predominantly on the right? It's hard to imagine Cesc Fabregas as a wide player. Or perhaps this isn't a 4-3-3 at all and Pep's just having a laugh.
AC Milan vs. Barcelona kicks off at 2:45 pm ET and we'll have live coverage in our UEFA Champions League Wednesday, Matchday 5 StoryStream. For more on the two teams, check out Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes and The AC Milan Offside. For more on the entire world of football, head over to SB Nation Soccer.
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