Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will face off in a vital La Liga conflict on Saturday, with the 2 sides degree on factors on the prime of the desk.
The 2 groups are locked on 38 factors every after 18 video games, with Barcelona at the moment main on aim distinction. Nonetheless, Atletico have a recreation in hand, which means a win would see them leapfrog their rivals.
Barcelona have struggled for consistency of late, profitable simply certainly one of their final six league games. Their most up-to-date outing noticed them undergo a shock 1-0 defeat at dwelling to Leganes.
In distinction, Atletico are the shape workforce in La Liga, having gained their final 11 matches in all competitions, together with six straight league victories. Diego Simeone’s facet edged previous Getafe 1-0 of their earlier recreation due to a late strike from Alexander Sorloth.
Staff Information
Barcelona will likely be with out the companies of 17-year-old midfielder Lamine Yamal, who has been dominated out till the brand new 12 months with an ankle damage.
Andreas Christensen and Ansu Fati have an out of doors probability of returning to the squad, however long-term absentees Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen stay sidelined.
Atletico, in the meantime, have a completely match squad to select from, with Thomas Lemar’s current return to health giving Diego Simeone a clear invoice of well being.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
Pena;
Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde;
Casado, Pedri;
Olmo, F Lopez, Raphinha;
Lewandowski
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2):
Oblak;
Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan;
Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher;
Alvarez, Griezmann
The match guarantees to be a good affair between two title contenders, with a draw probably the probably end result as each side look to keep away from defeat and keep their place on the prime of the desk.
