The Camp Nou would be electrified and buzzing this Saturday evening as Barcelona are scheduled to host Atletico Madrid. The side from Madrid are expected to receive a very hostile reception as they are the only side directly posing a threat to Barcelona’s Primera Division title chances.
Atleti are placed second in the points table and are trailing Barcelona by 8 points. That in itself is a huge difference, but a win for Atleti would spice up the closing weeks of La Liga 2018/19. If Barcelona goes onto win this match, they would without a doubt go onto lift the league title.
Barcelona had a narrow escape from their mid-week clash against Villareal where they struck twice in the dying moments of the game to salvage a 4-4 draw. Ernesto Valverde is expected to field a full-strength line-up for this fixture after giving rest to the big names like Ivan Rakitic, Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique against the Yellow Submarines.
The Barcelona gaffer would be without the services of Arturo Vidal who picked up a yellow card at the Ceramica Stadium and is suspended for this high-intensity fixture against Atletico Madrid. Ousmane Dembele would also not be ready in time for this meeting along with Rafinha and Cillisen.
Here’s how Valverde’s men would take the field against Diego Simeone & Co.
Defence
A safe pair of hands, Ter Stegen, would be taking charge between the sticks. Nelson Semedo is expected to return to the starting eleven following the rest he got in the mid-week clash against Villareal. The reliable pairing of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti would be playing in the heart of Barcelona’s defence. A loyal servant to the club, Jordi Alba would be occupying the left-back position.
Midfield
Ivan Rakitic would be starting on the left of Barcelona’s midfield. The calm and composed Sergio Busquets would be playing in the centre and would have pass-master, Arthur Melo to his right. This Barcelona side would have to be right on top of their game to dictate play against a well drilled and oiled Atletico Madrid side.
Attack
Lionel Messi would be starting in the left flank in Barcelona’s attack. His South American attacking partner, Luis Suarez would be occupying the number nine position. There would be stiff competition for the last spot left in the side between Malcom Silva and Coutinho. Both the attackers were impressive in the draw against Villareal, and it will be a tough decision for Valverde to make. However, we are going with Malcom here.
Starting Eleven
Ter Stegen
Semedo – Pique – Umtiti – Alba
Rakitic – Busquets – Arthur
Messi – Suarez – Malcom
