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| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
AC MILAN  AbbiatiAbate, Thiago Silva, Nesta, ZambrottaNocerino, Van Bommel, Seedorf BoatengPato, Ibrahimovic | NOVARA  Ujkani Morganella, Paci, Lodi, Gemiti Marianini, Porcari, Rigoni MazzariniCaracciolo, Meggiorini |
The hosts will face Novara without the services of Alberto Aquilani, with the Italy international facing a month on the sidelines with an ankle strain. The Rossoneri remain unsure how long they will be without Gennaro Gattuso, after the former Rangers midfielder contracted occular myasthenia on the club's recent trip to Dubai, but it is hopeful that he will return sooner rather than later. Likewise, Antonio Cassano's recent health problems prohibit him from returning to action.
Clarence Seedorf looks set to start the tie, after impressing as a substitute in the defeat to Inter, with the former Real Madrid midfielder expected to replace compatriot Urby Emanuelson in the starting XI.
Novara travel to Milan without Andrea Lisuzzo, as the former Palermo defender is still suffering from a heel problem. However, the visitors should welcome back Carlalberto Lodi, after the defender recovered from an ankle strain that saw him miss his side's last two encounters.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Sunday's defeat to Inter was the first time that AC Milan have lost since the 3-2 defeat to Barcelona back in November.
- The last occasion these sides met in this competition, the Rossoneri triumphed with a 2-1 victory.
- The Serie A holders' next league game is also against the Biancoazzurri.
- Novara have failed to win any of the six games they have played since knocking Catania out in the last round.
- The Piedmont club have only managed to win one of their away games in all competitions this season.
With the Serie A holders needing to return to winning ways, and with having the home advantage on Wednesday night, a comfortable victory for the Rossoneri seems a likely outcome.
Editor's Prediction
Milan 3-0 Novara 
