LaLiga 2018-19: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona - Combined XI

Barcelona will visit Madrid on Saturday to take on Atletico in a match which could have important ramifications at the top of the table.

The Catalans currently lead the pack, which could change by the time they kick off at the Wanda Metropolitano courtesy of Alaves' early game. Atletico are just a point behind Barca, and a win would be vital for either side in a closely contested title race thus far.

Ernesto Valverde's conceded four goals at home from Real Betis in their last league game, and they will be hopeful of bouncing back. Lionel Messi has returned from an injury absence, but they will be without the suspended Ivan Rakitic.

Atletico meanwhile have failed to find an attacking groove, but their tight backline has kept them hot on the tails of Barca. Diego Simeone does not have the best of records against Barca, but Atleti's recent form gives him reason to hope.

It is sure to be a cracking encounter in Madrid, as all 22 players will be raring to clinch the victory. On that note, here is the combined eleven from the two sides, based on this season's form.

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Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak

Oblak's reputation is on the up

Two goalkeepers of outstanding calibre will line up at the opposite ends on Saturday, so you can't arguably go wrong with this one. But Atletico's hugely superior defensive record sees Oblak pip Ter Stegen to the spot.

Atleti have conceded just 8 goals compared to Barca's 18, and Oblak has been one of the main reasons why. The Slovenian has made some tremendous saves this season, and his commanding of the penalty area has been as impressive as ever.

Oblak's save percentage is higher than that of Ter Stegen's, and his goal has been breached fewer times as well. Diego Simeone is hoping to tie down his goalkeeper to a longer contract, and securing that commitment from one of the best in the world will be a major boost for Atleti.

Defenders

Umtiti has been Barca's best defender this season

Left-back: Jordi Alba

Lucas Hernandez has had an absolute blinder of a year, but he has failed to nail down the left-back slot for Atleti this season. Meanwhile, his counterpart in Barcelona has maintained his supremely high levels.

Alba has essentially had the full left side of the pitch to himself since Neymar's departure, and he has handled it admirably. His pace and defensive tenacity have not waned, and his habitual runs in attacking positions have paid dividends for Barca many times.

Center-back: Samuel Umtiti

Umtiti was out injured for a considerable time, but he made the bench last time against Betis, and he should be thrust into the starting lineup at the Metropolitano.

The Frenchman is one of the most complete defenders in the game currently, and he had a stellar campaign last time, both for club and country. He has continued the same form this season, and his return from injury will be a welcome one for Barca as their defence has looked shambolic at times in recent games.

Center-back: Jose Maria Gimenez

If Diego Godin were fit, he would be locked in for the spot, but the Uruguayan will miss the game through injury. Gerard Pique has not had the best of seasons, so Godin's compatriot Gimenez makes the cut.

He was also a doubt for the clash, but thankfully for Simeone, he will make a return. Strong, composed, and intelligent, Gimenez has all the makings of a great defender. He will have his hands full with a certain Uruguayan on Saturday, and keeping him quiet will be crucial to get the three points for his side.

Right-back: Juanfran

There is not a single right-back who has been solid across all the games for either side, so Juanfran makes the cut despite playing just half of the games for his side.

Valverde has preferred to play Sergi Roberto more often than Nelson Semedo, but the Spaniard has been guilty of defensive mistakes a little too often. New signing Santiago Arias has looked decent for Atleti, but the veteran Juanfran has continued to show the same consistency yet again.

Simeone's trusted man, Juanfran has managed to keep up with the pace of the game despite his age, and his experience will most likely see him start against Barcelona.

Midfielders

Saul is a crucial part of Atleti's setup

Right midfield: Saul Niguez

Saul has been one of the best players to emerge under Diego Simeone, and he is becoming one of the indispensable ones for the Argentine coach. His energy and work-rate are vital in midfield, and only one outfield player has started more league games than the Spaniard this season.

Still just 24, Saul has clearly grasped the requirements which Simeone demands from his midfielders. He plays a box to box role and contributes to both sides of the pitch quite ably. On Saturday he will have the likes of Busquets and Messi to contend, but he has shown the ability to influence big matches in the past; what's going to stop him from doing the same again?

Central midfield: Sergio Busquets

Rodri has enjoyed a fantastic first season at Atletico, but he is still to reach the lofty levels of Busquets. He has been just as integral to Barcelona this season, arguably a bit more after the departure of Andres Iniesta. More often than not, the team's performance is determined by how 'Busi' plays.

His ability to orchestrate play from deep and find those incisive passes in between the lines is wonderful to watch. Valverde has chosen to use him sparely this season to keep him fresh for the crucial Champions League ties, but expect him to be in the thick of things come Saturday.

Left midfield: Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho is a doubt to start the game owing to his injury absence, but given his form before that, it is highly likely that he will. The Brazilian has excelled in his first full season at the club, and his chemistry with the likes of Suarez and Messi has proved to be lethal.

He has played in both the midfield and forward roles, and Rakitic's absence may see him start the game in the former. Coutinho has contributed to five league goals despite missing a chunk of games and expect that tally to rise in the coming weeks.

Forwards

Messi will look to make his mark yet again against Atletico

Right winger: Lionel Messi

No questions here, right?. Despite his recent injury setback, Messi has enjoyed a stellar campaign, and he has registered 9 goals and 5 assists in the league in just nine starts this season, and both numbers are league-highs. He tops the league for dribbles, key passes and Man of the Match awards as well

The Argentine suffered an arm injury recently but is now fit and raring to go. His international hiatus has kept him spritely for the club games, and Atletico will be wary of him given his impressive record against them.

Striker: Luis Suarez

There is no debate here either as no striker from Atletico has been close to Suarez's level this season. The likes of Diego Costa, Nikola Kalinic and Angel Correa have not impressed, whereas Suarez is enjoying a resurgence in fortunes lately.

The Uruguayan has scored 9 goals and has set up 4 more, and he has silenced many doubters in the process. He is not the same player from a couple of years ago, but he still remains a valuable asset for Barca. During Messi's absence, he stepped up his level considerably, and hopefully for Barcelona that will continue on Saturday.

Left winger: Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann was rumoured to join Barcelona in the summer, but he signed a new contract with Atletico instead. He will face his ex-suitors for the first time this weekend, and he will be hopeful of making a mark.

After a successful outing in Russia, the Frenchman has failed to get going this season, netting just 3 goals. But no one can doubt his calibre, and he will surely find his scoring touch sooner rather than later. If he does so against Barcelona, it could go a long way in vindicating his decision in the summer.