Barcelona’s shock 4-3 defeat to Real Betis blew open the title race once again when the Spanish giants were seemingly running away with it. Next, the Catalans take on Atletico Madrid at the Spanish capital with just one point separating the two. Therefore Diego Simeone would know that a positive result could see them topple the table toppers.
Both the teams have had contrasting fortunes at the back and in front of goal. Barcelona are currently the highest scorers in the league (34), and the nearest team to them are Sevilla who are ten goals behind the Catalan giants.
However, Valverde’s men haven’t been tight at the back as they have shipped in the most goals (18) among the top seven clubs. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid have the best defensive record in the league so far but have been inconsistent in front of goal and have jointly scored the least goals (16) among the top 6 clubs.
Team News
Philippe Coutinho is back in training after the hamstring injury he suffered. However, he might not start from the beginning, but Valverde can turn to him from the bench when things don’t go right. Ivan Rakitic will miss out due to suspension. It can be touch and go with Ousmane Dembele, and it is yet not known whether he has fully recovered from his illness.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs Atletico Madrid
Formation(4-3-3)
Defence
Barcelona would have shipped in more goals if not got Marc-Andre ter Stegen who has been simply breathtaking in goal for the Blaugrana. The German is a guaranteed starter. Gerard Pique has been underwhelming, but the return of Samuel Umtiti should boost Valverde at the back and hopefully the duo can keep the exciting Antoine Griezmann quiet in the game. The adventurous fullback Jordi Alba should start on the left. Down the right, the versatile Sergi Roberto should start.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will start in his typical defensive midfield role. He would have the onus of shielding the back four as well as develop attacks for his side. With Ivan Rakitic out, we believe Denis Suarez should be given the go ahead of Arthur Melo. Arturo Vidal will have to step up with a big performance against Diego Simeone’s side who are known to be dangerous on the counter-attack.
Attack
Coutinho might not be hundred per cent to take on this game from the beginning so Malcom should get a go down the left flank. Lionel Messi scored twice against Betis but that wasn’t enough to rescue anything and the onus to drive the team forward would once again be on the Argentine. Luiz Suarez will lead the line as he sits as the current joint top scorer in the league along with Messi.
