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

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.