Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in a crunch La Liga encounter later today. Both teams will be looking to cement their place at the top of the table with a vital win.
The best attack in the Europe will take on the best defence in Europe and it promises to be a fascinating tactical battle all across the pitch.
Atletico Madrid are level on points with the Spanish champions Barcelona but the Champions have a game in hand, therefore the away side cannot afford to drop points.
The same goes for Barcelona, who will be wary of dropping points against the capital club despite having a game in hand. Bitter rivals Real Madrid can profit from a draw or a loss for either side.
The likes of Messi, Suarez and Neymar are in unstoppable form at the moment and it will be interesting to see how Simeone manages to nullify their threat.
The Argentine manager is famous for his intelligent tactical setups and will have to get his system spot on against the most in-form attack in world football.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Team News
Barcelona will be delighted with the return of Gerard Pique. The Spaniard has served his suspension and is set to partner Javier Mascherano at centre-back. Jeremy Mathieu is expected to fill in at left-back, with Jordi Alba struggling with a muscle problem.
Brazilian forward Neymar is expected to return after recovering from a hamstring problem.
As for Atletico Madrid, Tiago and Fernando Torres are the only injury concerns at present.
Attacking midfielder Angel Correa will miss out on the trip to Camp Nou due to a ban.
Striker Luciano Vietto is expected to start alongside the explosive Antoine Griezmann.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid starting lineups
Barcelona starting lineup: Bravo; Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Mathieu; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Atletico Madrid starting lineup: Oblak; Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Luis; Saul, Gabi, Fernandez, Koke; Griezmann, Vietto
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Key Stats
- Atletico have kept a clean sheet in 9 of their last 11 matches in La Liga.
- Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 home matches in La Liga.
- Barcelona have won their last 5 matches against Atletico in all competitions.
- Atletico are undefeated in 17 of their last 19 away matches in La Liga.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Atletico Madrid
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