Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Combined XI (2017/18)

Defence

Gerard Pique is all set to return to the lineup

Nelson Semedo is still out injured, so Barca would be expected to go with Sergi Roberto as the right-back, and he is our pick at this position as well. His versatility on the pitch combined with his acceptable consistency at that position helps him beat off competition from Sime Vrsaljko and veteran defender Juanfran.

For the two centre-back positions, we are going with one-a-piece from each team with Barcelona’s Gerard Pique and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin providing much-needed solidarity and leadership at the heart of the defence.

Pique was rested for the game against Las Palmas, but he would surely be back in the starting XI for this match.

At left-back, it’s another player who will return to the Barcelona lineup in Jordi Alba, who also sat out of the Las Palmas draw due to suspension. He has been one of the key figures in Barcelona's defensive set-up, and is also expected to be one of the prominent figures during Spain’s World Cup campaign.