This is one of the most decisive game of the season as well as in the title race. Blaugrana is only two points separated from Atletico the league leaders. No wonder that any result between these two contenders who are locking horns this weekend would lead to the end of both sides this season. It is a do-or-die fixture for sure.
Both teams’ previous games
Los Rojiblancos was quite lucky to keep their three points while travelling to Elche last weekend. They took the lead by Luis Suarez but his goal was disallowed by VAR. Then their official goal came through a deflected ball from Marcos Llorente’s strike. In the final minutes, the home side’s penalty to equalise was not denied by Jan Oblak but the post.
Meanwhile, Barcelona displayed more determination last weekend while snatching three points in Valencia. They were one goal down first as Gabriel Paulista scored an opener through his header. Not long after, Leo Messi found the equaliser followed by Antoine Grieznann to overturn the score sheet. Next, Messi’s free kick gave them two goal cushion before Carles Soler’s long range shot came as a consolation for Los Ches.
Possible tactics
Ronald Koeman is still likely to deploy 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1 shall be considerd by featuring Dembele, Messi and Griezmann together again. Frankie De Jog might be playing as the anchorman accompanied by Pedri and Sergio Busquets.
Diego Simeone’s squad is now fully fit except Renan Lodi who is still unavailable for this fixture. The Argentine boss is still in favour of 3-4-2-1 formation. Luis Suarez will still be leading the attack with Joao Felix and Angel Correa supporting behind the Uruguayan international who is also the former Barcelona man.
Players to watch
In Barcelona, Messi is still the indispensable figure. He has scored 28 goals and provided nine assists in La Liga, which is already more than last season. His Frenchman duet, Antoine Griezmann has been flourishing too with twelve goals and seven assists. Another key man to watch is the Dutch versatile midfielder Frankie de Jong.
Atletico’s top performer this season is Marcos Llorente who has bagged twelve goals and made ten assists this season. Their main scorer, Luis Suarez, shall be expected to be in-form again. He has scored nineteen goals and made two assists so far. Another notable figure to focus on is the Belgian international, Yannick Carrasco with five goals and eight assists.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
The Catalan side is certainly hopeful that they could pick up three points here. They have been very convincing lately at home, apart from their shocking defeat against Granada. That could be the reference for Diego Simeone’s men to snatch important point in Camp Nou. Barca’s defence will be seriously tested here. A narrow win might still be secured by the home side.
Betting Odds
The clash is tight as expected. Koeman’s side’s odds to win are at 7/8, whereas Atletico Madrid’s win market is at 7/2. The odds for the draw result are at 14/5.
