'I take it as a given that Milan will score' - Barcelona's Guardiola

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Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola believes that the Blaugrana will have to score at least twice in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash with AC Milan on Tuesday night because he does not foresee his side keeping a clean sheet.

The two teams drew 0-0 at San Siro last week in the first leg but the former Spain international is anticipating goals in their return meeting at Camp Nou.

"I take it as a given that Milan will score against us,” Guardiola admitted during his pre-game press conference on Monday.

“That's why we need to be very sharp on the attack and make the most of the chances we create."

It emerged on Monday morning that influential Blaugrana midfielder Xavi was a major doubt for the visit of the Rossoneri because of a muscular problem but, according to Guardiola, the World Cup winner is in contention to start.

"He's been named to the squad; that means he could play," the 41-year-old coach stated.

Barca's second-leg showdown with Milan gets underway at 20.45CET.

Pep and his usual mind games.

barca will rip a new hole to Milan tomorrow, there is no way Antonini and Bonero repeat their defensive perf from Milan.

It's quite a frequent thing for these managers to state things for the sake of creating some kind of reaction from the opposing team or the fans without giving reason.

Is he trying to look humble or what? Why is it a given, he won't even give a sound argument?

Petty Mind Games, same with the "i don't speak about referees talk."

Far cry from Cruyff's "Milan can't beat us" speech in 1994

Pep must still feel the sting from that final and the pre game trash talk. However I agree with him. Milan are more than capable of scoring.