Roura's Italian Job

With the return of Xavi Hernández, the main question regarding Barcelona's possible starting eleven for its big game against Milan lies in who to line up alongside Pedro and Messi in attack. Villa, Alexis Sánchez, Cesc Fábregas and Tello are all in the running for the spot.

Xavi's availability is key for the Milan clash. Barcelona knows it has to set the pace from the off in order to come back from the 2-0 hit it took in San Siro. Both Tito Vilanova, in New York, and Jordi Roura know that the 90 minutes of this game must be managed wisely. They need Xavi to keep things calm during the opening minutes and prevent the team from making the mistake of charging off in attack and leaving gaps in its defence.

Xavi returns to the 'Azulgrana' fold in the company of Busquets and Iniesta. Roura has the pick of nine of the regulars to go up against Milan. Valdés, Piqué, Puyol, Alba, Messi and Pedro will also appear with the three previously listed.