Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are at present stage on factors, with 38 every, on the prime of the La Liga desk.
This units the stage for an important conflict between the 2 sides on Saturday night, with the winner claiming first place heading into 2025.
Barcelona at present maintain the highest spot resulting from their superior aim distinction, however Atletico Madrid, who’ve a sport in hand, are getting into this encounter in distinctive type.
Diego Simeone’s workforce is on an unimaginable 11-match successful streak throughout all competitions, and they’ll look to proceed this momentum within the upcoming sport.
Barcelona, alternatively, are coming off a disappointing 1-0 defeat at house to Leganes. This loss, added to a different current house defeat to Las Palmas, has left the workforce with a way of frustration.
Atletico, who’ve been in good type, will likely be assured heading into this match. Their 11-match successful run consists of victories over groups like Las Palmas, Mallorca, Alaves, Actual Valladolid, Sevilla, and Getafe of their final six league matches.
how Barcelona may line up for this essential fixture, there are a couple of key factors to notice.
Defence
Pau Cubarsi will return to the beginning XI. (Photograph by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Pictures)
In aim, Inaki Pena is anticipated to proceed because the undisputed starter.
Regardless of the presence of skilled goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny within the squad, supervisor Hansi Flick has constantly proven his religion in Pena, and the younger keeper will likely be relied upon as soon as once more for this high-stakes match.
In central defence, Barcelona will welcome Pau Cubarsi again into the beginning lineup. He’ll companion with the seasoned Inigo Martinez on the coronary heart of the defence.
There are not any main surprises anticipated within the full-back positions, with Jules Kounde set to start out at right-back and Alejandro Balde on the left.
These two have been stable defensively and might want to preserve their focus to counter Atletico’s attacking threats.
Midfield
Gavi might characteristic as an attacking midfielder. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Pictures)
There are not any anticipated modifications within the midfield both. Pedri will as soon as once more play a key function, offering creativity and dynamism in the course of the park. His capacity to hyperlink up play and drive ahead will likely be essential in opposition to Atletico’s sturdy midfield.
Alongside him, Marc Casado will take up the defensive pivot function, providing stability and a presence in entrance of the defence. Casado will deal with breaking apart Atletico’s assaults, whereas Pedri will likely be given extra freedom to create possibilities.
Within the attacking midfield place, nevertheless, there could be a change. Dani Olmo, who has began in current matches, may very well be dropped in favour of the energetic Gavi.
The younger midfielder’s relentless work price and talent to press excessive will likely be priceless in disrupting Atletico’s rhythm. Gavi’s tenacity and urgent capacity may very well be precisely what Barcelona have to put stress on Atletico in their very own half.
Assault
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha will retain their positions. (Photograph by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Pictures)
The massive query for Barcelona is who will change Lamine Yamal, who’s unavailable for this match. If Flick decides to make minimal modifications, Fermin Lopez appears the almost definitely candidate to fill the hole left by the younger prodigy.
He’s anticipated to start out on the fitting wing, providing tempo and attacking width.
Up entrance, Robert Lewandowski will proceed to guide the assault. Regardless of a disappointing efficiency in opposition to Leganes, Lewandowski stays the highest scorer in La Liga, with 16 objectives to his title.
Lastly, Raphinha, who has been in distinctive type, may also characteristic within the beginning lineup.
The Brazilian winger has been considered one of Barcelona’s standout performers this season and will likely be very important in offering attacking help. Raphinha’s aptitude, tempo, and creativity will likely be key in breaking down Atletico’s defensive strains.