Barcelona are aiming to grow to be the primary facet to beat Atletico Madrid on the Metropolitano in La Liga this season once they go to the capital on Sunday.
The Catalan behemoths are embroiled in a three-horse title race alongside each Madrid giants and victory this weekend would see them clear an unlimited hurdle of their bid to be topped La Liga champions.
Barca are in distinctive kind however securing all three factors won’t be simple in opposition to Diego Simeone’s scrappers. Just one level separates the perimeters – albeit La Blaugrana have a sport in hand – and Atleti have prevented defeat in each clashes between the groups this time period.
Right here is how Barca may line up for a pivotal La Liga duel.
GK: Wojciech Szczesny – Having dazzled within the first leg of the Champions League final 16 in opposition to Benfica, Szczesny considerably reverted to sort throughout Tuesday’s reverse fixture as he allowed Nicolas Otamendi’s tame header to breach his aim.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde performed an vital half in Barca’s midweek victory over Benfica together with his marauding runs however the Frenchman is extra more likely to be centered on his defensive duties on the Metropolitano.
CB: Ronald Araujo – Araujo has been eased again into the equation after such a prolonged damage layoff earlier this season however he is now featured for over an hour in Barca’s final three matches.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – Inigo Martinez often is the solely man to lose his beginning berth this weekend, with Cubarsi, who was suspended for the conflict with Benfica, returning to associate Araujo.
LB: Alejandro Balde – The left-back’s lung-busting run cast Barca’s third of the night on Tuesday however he might be provided far much less attacking freedom in Madrid in opposition to Simeone’s stern defensive unit.
DM: Frenkie de Jong – Marc Casado may enter the lineup this weekend however there’s each likelihood that De Jong retains his place within the staff. He is began three of the final 4 outings in all competitions.
DM: Pedri – The midfielder produced a mightily spectacular show within the chaotic 4-4 draw with Atleti within the Copa del Rey on the finish of final month. One would think about Barca’s metronome might be equally concerned this weekend.
RW: Lamine Yamal – The precocious teenager produced one other astounding aim and help in opposition to Benfica on Tuesday – turning into the youngest participant in Champions League historical past to handle such a feat.
AM: Dani Olmo – Gavi has dismissed any exit rumours over a scarcity of enjoying time this time period and the Spaniard could also be benched for compatriot Olmo as soon as once more on Sunday. The summer season signing has been in spectacular kind throughout current La Liga video games.
LW: Raphinha – Raphinha produced two extra glorious finishes midweek as he continues his push for the Ballon d’Or. He grew to become the Brazilian to attain probably the most objectives in a single Champions League marketing campaign after netting his tenth and eleventh in opposition to Benfica.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – Two video games with out a aim is a substantial drought for the prolific Poland worldwide however it could be courageous to wager in opposition to him including to his season haul on Sunday. He scored in opposition to Atleti within the cup a number of weeks in the past.
