Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this truly big game.
Team News
Barcelona
- Samuel Umtiti (knee), Ronald Araujo (muscle), Sergio Busquets (ligament problems) and Ansu Fati (post-surgery recovery) are unavailable for the game.
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Atletico Madrid
- Sime Vrsaljko, Lucas Torreira, Hector Herrera, Vitolo and Luis Suarez are injured.
- Yannick Carrasco and Diego Costa are doubtful.
Key Stats
- Barcelona are unbeaten in the last 5 away fixtures against Atletico in all competitions.
- Atletico Madrid haven’t lost a single home game in all competitions since December 1; ironically, they faced Barca that day.
- Diego Simeone’s side haven’t conceded a single goal in their last 3 home fixtures in La Liga.
Probable line-ups
Barca XI: Ter Stegen – Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba – Pjanic, De Jong – Messi, Pedri, Dembele – Griezmann.
Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak – Trippier, Felipe, Gimenez, Lodi – Llorente, Kondogbia, Koke, Saul – Felix, Correa.
Manager Quotes
💭 Diego Simeone: “Each game is an opportunity and this one is no different. We’ll try and take the game to where we think we can do them the most harm. We’re up against a side with hierarchy, a squad that’s being refreshed, with some really talented youngsters and more experienced heads. It’ll be hard, difficult and complex – as it always is against them.”
💭 Ronald Koeman: “Tomorrow is an important match and we have to get a good result, it’s important for our way of thinking and the league situation. Atletico Madrid are a competitive team who fight for the titles every season and we have to be good in order to win.”
Predictions
Sportsmole’s Matt Law: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Barcelona
“The two teams played out a 2-2 draw when they last locked horns at the end of June, and we are finding it difficult to separate them once again. Both sides will be without some key players on Saturday, but there will still be plenty of quality on the field, and a draw would not be the worst result for either manager.”
90Min’s Vayam Lahoti: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
“Though Barcelona have improved considerably of late, they will be missing key players here and consistency is something we haven’t seen from the Catalan giants under Koeman yet.
“Simeone will have his side’s miserable record against Barcelona on his mind and will be smelling blood given their opponents’ injury crisis.
“It will be a very even contest but Atletico will have too much firepower for Koeman’s men and it’s difficult to see past a home win.”
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