Atletico Madrid and Barcelona meet each other in their final La Liga game before the November international break in a bid to go to the top of the table.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 8th November.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atlético Madrid head into their top-of-the-table La Liga clash against Barcelona with a significant defensive absence, as centre-back Cristian Romero is ruled out due to a muscle injury.
In his place, Marc Pubill is expected to partner David Hancko at the heart of the back four, flanked by Marcos Llorente and Alejandro Grimaldo.
However, Diego Simeone receives a timely boost in the middle of the park with Morten Hjulmand, Johnny Cardoso, and club captain Koke all returning to contention following recent injury layoffs.
Hjulmand is tipped to slot straight into central midfield alongside Pablo Barrios, with Giuliano Simeone and Álex Baena operating on the flanks.
In attack, Kang-in Lee is favoured to partner Julián Álvarez from the start, leaving Ademola Lookman as a potent option off the bench as Atlético look to secure three vital points on home turf.
Barcelona team news
Barcelona travel to Madrid navigating a lengthy injury list, highlighted by the absence of midfielder Rodri, who picked up a hamstring issue against Aston Villa.
Hansi Flick is also without Jules Koundé, Dani Olmo, Roony Bardghji, and Xavi Espart for this crucial encounter. On a positive note, defenders Eric García and Andreas Christensen have recovered from their respective setbacks and return to the matchday squad, with Flick confirming García is fit enough to start if needed.
Should García be eased back in, youngster Brian Fariñas could retain his place at right-back alongside Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and João Cancelo.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal are competing to partner Pedri in Rodri’s stead. Further forward, an exciting attacking quartet of Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Anthony Gordon, and Raphinha is expected to lead the charge for the visitors.
Form
Atletico Madrid
Atlético Madrid enter this clash third in La Liga with 28 points from 11 games, riding a seven-match domestic winning streak. Their recent league victories include narrow 1-0 triumphs over Espanyol and Deportivo La Coruña, followed by a 2-0 away win against Levante. However, their momentum suffered a setback in midweek as they fell 2-0 at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, leaving them eager to bounce back.
Barcelona
Barcelona sit atop the La Liga table with 30 points from 11 matches, having won 10 and lost just once. After suffering consecutive defeats against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Real Madrid in El Clásico last month, Hansi Flick’s side responded emphatically. They thrashed Deportivo Alavés 6-1 in the league before cruising to a 3-0 Champions League victory over Aston Villa, showcasing their potent attacking form ahead of this trip.
Predicted lineups
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo; Simeone, Barrios, Hjulmand, Baena; Lee, Alvarez
Barcelona: J Garcia; Farinas, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Gordon; Raphinha
How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona?
In the UK, Atlético Madrid vs. FC Barcelona will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1 and LaLigaTV.
Read Also – LaLiga Predictions Today – Expert Tips & Stats
See More – Bundesliga Predictions Today – Expert Tips & Stats
Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube