Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid on Saturday in a make or break clash in the Liga title race. A win for the Blaugrana will see them overtake their rivals from the capital. Ronald Koeman's men have a clean bill of health ahead of the encounter with Martin Braithwaite returning to the fold. Here's how both teams could line up for the game.
Possible Barcelona XI
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Lenglet; Dest, De Jong, Busquets, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Griezmann.
Possible Atletico Madrid XI
Atleti XI: Oblak; Hermoso, Gimenez, Savic; Carrasco, Lemar, Koke, Llorente, Trippier; Suarez, Correa.
Which area will decide the outcome?
Barcelona are revered for their ability to retain the ball while Atleti are known for their defensive approach to games - that said, we expect Barca to dominate possession in this encounter and create plenty of scoring chances.
Barca's backline has been a weakness all season and we can only hope it stays watertight in this game. Nevertheless, with someone like Suarez and Correa on the prowl, you can expect Los Rojiblancos to have a few chances themselves.
The game will be won and lost in the attack. Messi and co need to put up a masterclass to outscore Atleti. Barca's defence isn't one to be relied on not to concede. The team who scores more will win. May it be Barca!
RELATED NEWS
Koeman to miss Atletico clash as red card appeal has been denied: COPE
Ronald Koeman will not be present on the sidelines when Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on Saturday as Barca's appeal against his red card has been denied, Helena Condis of Cadena COPE reports.
The Blaugrana head coach was sent off during last week's 2-1 loss to Granada for saying 'what a character' about the match referee.
The Dutchman wasn't present in the dugout for his side's 3-2 win at Valencia over the weekend and is set to miss the Atletico clash due to the two-game suspension.
Koeman labels his suspension 'exaggerated in jibe at La Liga referee committee
Ronald Koeman has had one too many brushes with referees and VAR this season.
It all culminated in a red card during the clash against Granada on Thursday.
Speaking in his press conference for the Valencia clash, Koeman confirmed that Barca will appeal his 2-game suspension while throwing another subtle jibe at La Liga referee committee.
"We are going to appeal my sanction because it is an exaggerated decision. They suspend you for 2 games for saying 'what a character'. I think they will suspend you for 20 games if you insult them," Koeman said
Koeman has come under intense criticism following the defeat to Granada. However, Barcelona still have the opportunity to win the league, although the Blaugrana have to turn out a 100 percent record in their last 5 games.
Latest news
