Atletico Madrid welcome Barcelona to the Metropolitana on Sunday for a massive clash in the La Liga title race.
The visitors have been playing some scintillating football this season, but Atleti will hold no fear of their illustrious opponents. The last time these two clubs met, in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi final, the game ended 4-4 in a captivating battle, and they won the reverse fixture 2-1. Victory today would see them do the double over them for the first time since 2005/06.
With just one point separating them, the winner of this weekend’s encounter will be hugely boosted in their bid for top spot. Barça can go level with leaders Real Madrid with a win, while Diego Simeone’s side are a further point behind. Crucially, the Catalan outfit have played two games fewer than Real, while today’s opponents have one game in hand on their local rival.
Atletico Madrid team news
Simeone could be without three key players against Barcelona. Angel Correa is serving a suspension following his red card against Getafe last weekend, while Rodrigo De Paul is set to miss out with a thigh problem. Koke is a doubt after suffering a knock.
Barcelona team news
Andreas Christensen could be involved after making his return to training. The former Chelsea defender has only made one appearance this season, sustaining an Achilles injury on the opening day of the campaign against Valencia, and suffered a setback in January when he injured his calf.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick remains without the services of Marc Bernal and Marc-André ter Stegen, who are sidelined by long-term knee injuries.
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Atletico Madrid predicted lineup
Possible starting XI: Jan Oblak; Nahuel Molina, Jose Maria Gimenez, Clement Lenglet, Reinildo; Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios, Conor Gallagher; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Barcelona predicted lineup
Possible starting XI: Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski.
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When does Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona kick off?
The match kicks off at 8PM UK time at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain.
What TV channel is Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona on?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on ITV4, ITVX, LaLiga TV and Premier Sports 2. Highlights will be uploaded to YouTube shortly after the final whistle.
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Barca vs ATM madrid possible lineup