Barcelona predicted lineup vs Atletico Madrid
Barcelona can guarantee they end the calendar yr on the summit of La Liga by beating Atletico Madrid on house soil this Saturday.
La Blaugrana have stumbled of their bid to be topped Spanish champions, profitable simply one in every of their previous six matches in La Liga. Atletico have caught up with Hansi Flick’s facet in consequence and might leapfrog them with victory on the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Accidents have eased up for Barcelona in current weeks however that hasn’t seen an enchancment in performances. The 1-0 house defeat to Leganes final day trip highlighted that Flick nonetheless has loads of work to do in Catalonia if he is to complete his first season with a title.
Right here is how Barca may line up this weekend.
GK: Inaki Pena – Pena has been a mainstay within the Barca facet since Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s damage, however the Spaniard is and not using a clear sheet in his final 5 appearances.
RB: Jules Kounde – Barca have relied closely on Kounde this season and he has seldom fumbled. The Frenchman will seemingly be stored busy by Samuel Lino on Saturday, who has offered a aim and two assists in his final three appearances.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – The teenager will return to the beginning lineup on Saturday having solely been used from the bench in opposition to Leganes. The return of Ronald Araujo may threaten his beginning berth after Christmas.
CB: Inigo Martinez – Martinez’s consistency has been commendable for the primary half of the season however the 33-year-old will get pleasure from a well-earned relaxation over the winter break.
LB: Alejandro Balde – The younger left-back was arguably Barca’s finest participant in opposition to Leganes and can preserve Atletico’s proper flank sincere along with his overlapping runs. He have to be equally switched on in his personal half.
DM: Marc Casado – Frenkie de Jong has struggled to interrupt again into the Barcelona staff since getting back from damage such has been Casado’s type. The starlet continues to supply knowledgeable stability within the engine room.
DM: Pedri – Pedri’s playmaking skills could also be required to unpick a well-organised Atleti defence. Los Rojiblancos have conceded simply 11 instances in La Liga this season and opening them up will not be simple.
RW: Fermin Lopez – With Lamine Yamal injured for Saturday’s encounter following an ankle concern sustained in opposition to Leganes, Lopez could also be tasked with filling in on the right-hand facet.
AM: Dani Olmo – Olmo hasn’t been in a position to ship the identical output as earlier in his debut season however, very similar to Pedri, his ingenuity will likely be important if Barcelona are going to trigger Atleti’s backline points. Has a darkish cloud over his future which will not assist issues.
LW: Raphinha – One man who has continued to tug his weight throughout Barca’s current stoop is Raphinha, whose La Liga tally stands at 11 objectives and 6 assists already. Has netted 4 in his final 5 outings, too.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – It wasn’t an inspiring efficiency by Lewandowski’s requirements in opposition to Leganes however 16 objectives in 17 La Liga matches is to not be sniffed at. You may by no means guess in opposition to the Polish ahead discovering the web.
