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It's do-or-die for both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid today as they square off in a potential La Liga title-decider.
Halfway through the season, Barcelona had a mountain to climb as far as the La Liga title race was concerned. It looked like Atletico Madrid were cruising to the title at that point.
However, the Rojiblancos have struggled for form since while the Catalans steadied their ship, turned their form around and clawed their intoy back to the La Liga title race.
But when they were granted a glorious opportunity to overtake their title-rivals and sit atop the La Liga table just a week and a half ago, they made a meal of it and lost 2-1 to eighth-placed Granada. But that has made today's fixture all the more interesting.
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Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are well-matched on paper and both teams are near full-strength. It is going to be a roller-coaster ride from here till the end of the La Liga season and there is no doubt that both teams will put their best foot forward as the league title is the only major trophy all of them are left fighting for.
Without further ado, let's take a look at how Barcelona could line up against Atletico Madrid today.
Barcelona Probable Lineup vs Atletico Madrid
Barcelona Goalkeeper
It has not exactly been a season where Barcelona no. 1, Marc Andre-ter Stegen, has covered himself in glory. Having kept just two cleansheets in his last 10 appearances, the German international has not been at his best but he will keep his place between the sticks.
Marc Andre-ter Stegen will need to be alert throughout the length of the game as he is up against Atletico Madrid who have incredible goalscoring diversity. The likes of Luis Suarez, Angel Correa, Yannick Carrasco, Marcos Llorente and Joao Felix are all goalscoring threats for the Rojiblancos.
Barcelona Defenders
Ronald Koeman is expected to stick to his three-man defence and Barcelona's system is likely to mirror that of Atletico Madrid's. Koeman will undoubtedly go with Gerard Pique in the heart of the three-man defence. Pique is starting to show signs of fading but his experience will come in handy in a game as big as this.
Ronald Araujo started to his right against Valencia but we expect Oscar Mingueza to make a return to the starting XI. The latter's ball-playing skills could come handy against Atletico Madrid.
Clement Lenglet's mistake cost Barcelona against Valencia but he is likely to start again as Ronald Koeman prefers having a left-footed centre-back on the left side of his backline.
Barcelona midfielders
Sergio Busquets will play as the pivot in Barcelona's midfield. He will have his work cut out against the likes of Koke, Kondogbia and Marcos Llorente. Koeman will expect a strong performance from his veteran midfielder, who has been in good form of late, as Barcelona cannot afford to lose the midfield battle today.
Frenkie De Jong and Pedri will keep their places ahead of Sergio Busquets. De Jong will be tasked with progressing the ball and he will play a crucial role in bringing the wing-backs and the forwards into play. The versatile Dutchman has proved to be key to Barcelona's attack in recent times.
Jordi Alba will be deployed at left wing-back. The Spaniard has been one of Barcelona's most consistent players over the course of the season and has even played in central midfield a number of times this season.
Alba has scored three goals and provided five assists in 31 appearances in La Liga this season and will be tasked with keeping Kieran Tripper at bay today. On the opposite flank, Sergi Roberto is likely to replace Sergino Dest by virtue of his experience in big games.
Barcelona forwards
There ought to be no surprises when it comes to Barcelona's forward line. Martin Braithwaite has made his return to the squad from injury but will only come off the bench at best. Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann will start in attack for Barcelona while Ousmane Dembele will most likely be used as an impact-sub.
Lionel Messi has arguably been the best player in the world since the turn of the year and his exploits have been crucial to Barcelona working their way back into the La Liga title race. The Catalans are dependent on him to pull them across the finish line and the stage is set for yet another Lionel Messi masterclass in a big game.
Barcelona have been over-reliant on their forwards for goals in recent weeks but Antoine Griezmann has stepped up to the task in recent times. The Frenchman seems to have kicked into form at just the right time for Barcelona.
Antoine Griezmann has scored five goals and provided an assist in his last five appearances for Barcelona and has been able to maintain a cool head in front of goal. He has looked a lot like the player Barcelona shelled out €120 million to sign and his chemistry with Lionel Messi has evolved over the course of the season.
