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The Wanda Metropolitano will see the 2 La Liga giants go up against each other in what promises to be a scintillating display of elite craftsmanship. In a fixture that has been quite cruel to Atletico Madrid over the past few years, they will be vying to overturn their fortunes on Saturday.
Atletico Madrid have not beaten Barcelona in any of the last 14 league matches between the clubs-- that's a whopping 7 years without good news. Barcelona will love to keep that record intact and continue their unbeaten run this season. The sturdy Atletico defence will need to hold out against the Barcelona attack led by none other than Leo Messi.
Barcelona average more than 3 goals per game this season and though the numbers look pretty dastardly from Atletico's perspective, Barca have shown signs of faltering recently. Diego Simeone's men will try to exploit those weaknesses as they look to close down the gulf in points between them and the league leaders.
Also read: Barcelona to trigger €99m rated striker's release clause
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Kickoff information
Date: 14th October
Kickoff: 19:45 (BST), 00:15 (IST)
Venue: Wanda Metropolitano
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Team News
Felipe Luis and Lucas Hernandez are set to return after missing out in their last matchup against Leganes which ended in a draw. Sime Vrsaljko will miss out due to a hamstring injury. Augusto Fernandez, who sustained a serious knee injury will not be available as he hopes to regain his fitness and work his way back into the first teams squad.
For La Blaugrana, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez have been deemed fit to make a return. Ousmane Dembele, Arda Turan and Rafinha will not be featuring due to their injury problems.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Probable Lineups
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)- Jan Oblak, Savic, Godin, Gimenez, Felipe Luis, Gabi, Koke, Saul, Carrasco, Griezmann and Gameiro
Barcelona (4-3-3)- Ter Stegen, Semedo, Umtiti, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, Roberto, Messi and Suarez
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Form Guide
Atletico Madrid: W-W-W-L-D
Barcelona: W-W-W-W-W
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Head to Head
Atletico Madrid wins: 15
Barcelona wins: 28
Draws: 13
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Key players
Atletico Madrid: Antoine Griezmann's prolific goalscoring will be Atletico's weapon of choice against Barcelona. The Frenchman will need to be characteristically precise and clinical and Atletico might just be able to get the better of La Blaugrana.
Barcelona: No brainer here. The one man army, the man, the legend- Leo Messi. After single-handedly propelling Argentina to the World Cup finals, the diminutive wizard, we feel extremely privileged to even witness, will be the man who the Catalan giants will look to for inspiration. His astounding form will worry Atletico Madrid. Stop Messi and you can stop Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Prediction
Barcelona's recent form hasn't been very reassuring and the same applies to Atletico Madrid. The match could very well be end to end but goals could be at a premium.
Predicted scoreline: 1-1
Also read: Barcelona eyeing January deal for Coutinho and more
