In about eight hours Milan will take to the field to face Belarussian side BATE Borisov in the Champions League. Here is a glance at the squad Max Allegri has opted to select.

Originally it was mentioned that Alexandre Pato would make his return to action for the match. However, the Brazilian is not 100 per cent and hence he has been excluded for this tie.

Massimo Ambrosini also remains injured along with Thiago Silva and Clarence Seedorf.

Therefore the stage is set for Philippe Mexes to finally make his first appearance for the club since his arrival in June. It may be an important Champions League encounter, but, given the modest strength of the opposition this match represents a great opportunity for Allegri to give the Frenchman his first experience in a Milan shirt.

There have been reports that Nigerian Taye Taiwo may be offloaded by the club sooner rather than later even though he was only just recently signed. Seems he has made a good impression with Allegri…not. Have to say, the former Marseille man was always a gamble and it seems it is not paying off.

With Pato out, Antonio Cassano should start and I have to say I am happy about this. Cassano has been in great form and he has shown with Italy that when he is considered a team regular that is when he really can shine. Italy qualified in stylish fashion for Euro 2012 and the once Bari prodigy was a main reason for this.

In addition, his link up play, what he can contribute in the build-up to chances is much more than Pato.

Finally, here is a list of the players for this match.

Abbiati, Amelia, Abate, Antonini, Bonera, De Sciglio, Mexes, Nesta, Taiwo, Zambrotta, Yepes, Aquilani, Boateng, Emanuelson, Nocerino, Van Bommel, Cassano, Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Ganz.

Forza Milan!