Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid face a huge test at Camp Nou as they take on Barcelona. We take a look at their predicted lineup as they aim to derail Barca’s league campaign.
Atletico Madrid’s season has seen major ups-and-downs this year. The side made a slow start to their league campaign but picked up the pace as they benefitted from Real Madrid’s inconsistent performances.
In the Champions League, the hopes among the Atletico supporters were high after a 2-0 win in the first leg against Juventus. However, the side was stunned in Turin as Cristiano Ronaldo ousted his former rivals with a hattrick.
Atletico Madrid’s only hopes of a silverware lie in La Liga this season. The side is eight points behind Barcelona in the league and would aim to create pressure on Valverde’s side.
Barcelona, on the other hand, faced a minor setback after a 4-4 draw against Villarreal and would be eager to retain a stronghold in the title race at Camp Nou.
Diego Simeone faces a significant selection dilemma after Alvaro Morata and Diego Costa’s injury in the attack. We take a look at how Atletico Madrid can field their best possible XI as the sides lock horns on Saturday night.
Atletico Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona:
Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
Oblak has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the league with Atletico Madrid. The side has conceded the least number of goals in the La Liga this season (19).
Defenders: Gimenez, Godin, Luis
Diego Simeone suggested ahead of the game against Barcelona that the side’s entire league campaign depends on the result at Camp Nou. He also stated that the side would be in an attacking mode in the game, so we expect Simeone to to draft his three best defenders in a back three.
While Filipe Luis would be assigned the task to keep track of Lionel Messi, Gimenez and Godin would ensure to keep the threats at bay, as well as helping the attack.
Midfielders: Saul, Rodrigo, Koke, Partay, Arias
While we expect Saul and Thomas Partay to take on the defensive duties in the midfield – intercepting the passes and break the connections in Barcelona’s midfield, Arias, Koke and Rodrigo are expected to fill-in for the weakened Atletico Madrid attack.
Attack: Griezmann, Correa
In the absence of Alvaro Morata and Diego Costa, Angel Correa is expected to partner Antoine Griezmann in a two-man attack. Griezmann broke his five-match goal drought against Girona earlier this week, and needs to be in top-form against Barcelona.
His record against Barcelona doesn’t inspire much confidence, but a return to goalscoring form must be a confidence-booster for the Frenchman.
Angel Correa, on the other hand, hasn’t been used much this season. However, his pace could be vital in carving spaces inside the Barcelona defence.
Atletico Madrid’s predicted lineup vs Barcelona: Oblak, Gimenez, Godin, Luis, Saul, Rodrigo, Koke, Partay, Arias, Griezmann, Correa
Missed the Barcelona predicted lineup for the game against Atletico Madrid? Here, check it out – Barcelona’s predicted lineup vs Atletico Madrid.
