La Liga giants Barcelona will have a tough battle in their upcoming league match, as they will host rivals Atletico Madrid, also from Spain. Last time out in the Champions League, Barcelona secured three valuable points with a 2-1 win over Porto, thanks to goals from João Cancelo and João Felix. Although Barcelona's defense has slackened recently, they are unbeaten in their last three league games against Atletico Madrid, which certainly gives the team confidence.
For Atletico Madrid, the team won their last Champions League match against Feyenoord with a score of 3-1. The team has scored 14 goals in their last six matches, which is a very strong attacking force. However, they have not won in their last 17 matches against Barcelona as visitors, a record that undoubtedly puts extra pressure on the team.
Barcelona have won 3, lost 2, and drawn 1 of their past meetings, scoring 11 goals. Both sides have scored a total of 11 goals, averaging 1.83 goals per game, and in their most recent league meeting, Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0, with Ferran Torres being the lone goal scorer in that game.
For Barcelona, only Xavi will miss the game due to a torn cruciate ligament, while the rest of the team is in good shape. Head coach Javi Hernandez is expected to play a 4-3-3 formation and the starting lineup could include Inaki Pena, Ronald Araujo, Jules Conde, Inigo, Joao Cancelo, Ilkay Gündoğan, Frankie de Jongh, Pedri, Rafinha, Robert Lewandowski, and João Felix.
For Atletico Madrid, there are no injury concerns and manager Diego Simeone has a healthy squad. A 3-5-2 formation is expected to be used and the starting XI could include Jan Oblak, Jose Jimenez, Axel Witsel, Mario Hermoso, Naúl Molina, Rodrigo de Paul, Koke, Saul Niguez, Samuel Díaz Lino, Antoine Griezmann, and Álvaro.
