With the top of the Primera Division looking as open as ever, the clash between the capital side and the Blaugrana has taken on more importance.
Atletico Madrid play host to Barcelona on Saturday at Wanda Metropolitano as they seek a victory that could take them to the top of the Primera Division table.
Through the opening 12 matches of the season, the Spanish top flight is shaping up to be one of the most open in recent memory, with five teams separated by just three points heading into the weekend and Real Madrid lurking only one further back.
Diego Simeone’s side surprisingly pinched the title from the Clasico giants in 2013-14, and if they can overcome Barca at the weekend, it would fuel hopes that they might do so once again this term.
Team News
Atletico Madrid : Diego Simeone’s men are built around their robust defensive line, but for Saturday’s fixture they face the prospect of being without Diego Godin and Juanfran from their usual back four, while Jose Maria Gimenez is also injured.
There were concerns over Diego Costa earlier in the week, but he appears to have overcome his foot complaint and should take full part.
Barcelona : Ernesto Valverde will be without the suspended Ivan Rakitic for this encounter, but there is more positive news with the return to training of Samuel Umtiti.
The France international centre-back, however, faces a fight to break up the Gerard Pique-Clement Lenglet partnership that has formed in recent times.
Barca should benefit from the fact that their South American stars, Luis Suarez, Arthur and Philippe Coutinho, all played their international football in Europe during the break, while Lionel Messi continued his hiatus from Argentina duty.
Possible Playing XI
Atletico Madrid : Oblak; Arias, Savic, Hernandez, Filipe Luis; Lemar, Saul, Rodri, Koke; Griezmann, Diego Costa.
Barcelona : Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Vidal, Busquets, Arthur; Rafinha, Messi, Suarez.
No comments:
Post a Comment