5 key battles to look out for as Barcelona hosts Atletico Madrid

Barcelona v Girona - La Liga

#4 Samuel Umtiti vs Antoine Griezmann

Umtiti (right) will duel with in-form countryman Griezmann
Umtiti (right) will duel with in-form countryman Griezmann

Four days, two games and 7 goals! Simply put, Griezmann is back to his best - looking absolutely menacing in front of goal.

The Frenchman's scoring feats against Sevilla and Leganes means he will be the man to look out for. Los Rojiblancos have been at their best recently and the no.7 is a crucial reason behind it.

Valverde will be expecting Samuel Umtiti to take a good care of his French compatriot. The defender has been in fine form at the back for the Catalans and is up for another decisive individual battle, which if lost, could well affect Barca's chances of staying atop the league table.

Griezmann's goals have taken his league tally to 15 goals alongside 7 assists in the league, not to mention the fact that he recently crossed the 100-goal barrier for Atleti against Leganes.

The Frenchman has never scored against the Catalans at the Nou Camp; a positive fact for Umtiti to keep in mind.

The French defender's physical strength will be tested by his compatriot when as Atleti will most likely play on the counter.

However, he will have to watch out for Griezmann's blistering pace and avoid gifting him the space to take long shots.

Griezmann vs Umtiti is going to be one hell of a battle for sure!

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