Ancelotti faces selection dilemma as Milan start week of reckoning

TONIGHT’S Champions League clash with Bayern Munich is just the start of what is likely to be a make-or-break week for AC Milan.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men did well to earn a 1-1 draw in the opening leg of their last 16 tie in Munich, falling behind to Michael Ballack’s goal before Andriy Shevchenko levelled from the penalty spot.

A scoreless draw will suffice for Milan to advance, while on Sunday they must beat Juventus to maintain any realistic hope of staying in the Serie A title race.

Ancelotti’s main dilemma is which striker should partner Shevchenko up front with Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino in contention.

“The important thing is to make yourself useful, even if you don’t play 90 minutes,” Ancelotti said.

The hosts will have their share of problems in defence however with Paolo Maldini and Cafu out of action through injury while Jaap Stam serves a one-match ban.

Bayern will be hoping to bounce back from only their second Bundesliga defeat of the season to remain in the hunt for a treble this season.

Felix Magath’s side lost their unblemished home record against Hamburg on Saturday.

That game marked the return of goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who had missed the last three fixtures through injury.

Young Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero could replace the out of form Roy Makaay, while Mehmet Scholl is also pushing for a start after scoring as a second-half substitute on Saturday.

Lyon coach Gerard Houllier has warned the hard work is far from over for his players as they head into the second leg of their clash with PSV Eindhoven.

Lyon go into the clash at Stade Gerland with a 1-0 advantage thanks to Juninho’s winning strike in Eindhoven.

“We are certainly in an interesting situation but we are also aware that qualification has not yet been achieved,” said Houllier. “Our chances of progressing further are just slightly higher than our rivals. It will be important to remain concentrated and focused.

“In Eindhoven, the match was physical and tactical. I think it will be more open.”

Houllier will be without defender Jeremy Berthod (right thigh) although midfielder Mahamadou Diarra, who missed the 3-1 victory over Ajaccio at the weekend, has recovered from a back problem.

PSV coach Guus Hiddink could be without Dutch striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who injured his knee during his side’s 4-1 thrashing of Heerenveen at the weekend and defender Michael Lamey (calf) is also doubtful.