Clarence Seedorf won the Champions League on four occasions as a player with three different clubs. On Wednesday, he will make his coaching debut in the competition with AC Milan.

The former Dutch international has lost two of his six encounters in charge of the Rossoneri, while he was also active during the January transfer window.

Michael Essien and Adel Taarabt were recruited from England and both could feature in the San Siro against Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

However, Seedorf will be without a host of players for the opening leg, including Sulley Muntari and Riccardo Montolivo, who are suspended, while Stephan El Shaarawy, Robinho, Bryan Cristante and Valter Birsa are all injured. Defender Cristian Zapata is also rated as doubtful with a thigh complaint.

As for Diego Simeone's Atletico, they have not reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League since 1997.

He will have to make do without the services of Brazilian full-back Filipe Luis because of a groin injury and Tiago recently picked up a wrist problem.

Recent form

Milan: WLWDLW

Atletico: WWLLLW

Possible starting lineups

Milan: Abbiati; Zaccardo, Rami, Constant, De Sciglio; De Jong, Essien; Taarabt, Kaka, Pazzini; Balotelli

Atletico: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Insua; Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Turan; Villa, Diego Costa

Sports Mole says: 1-1

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