Atlético Madrid vs FC Barcelona Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | LaLiga

Atlético Madrid vs FC Barcelona Preview

• Tournament: La Liga
• Date: March 16
• Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano

After a forgetful outing against Real Madrid, Atletico will shift their focus to another blockbuster clash against Barcelona as the title race intensifies. Diego Simeone were once leading the title race, but currently find themselves placed third on the standings behind both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Los Rojiblancos come into this game on the back of a heartbreaking Champions League exit against their neighbours. With 56 points from 16 wins, eight draws and three defeats, they are just one point away from the top spot. They have scored eight goals in their last five outings. Julian Alvarez is their top scorer with 22 goals followed by Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth with 16 and 14 goals respectively. Griezmann, Rodrigo De Paul and Marcos Llorente have notched up seven assists each while Giuliano Simeone has provided six assists.

Barcelona on the other hand will be keen to maintain their momentum. The Catalan giants are the current La Liga leaders with a game in hand and will want to go three points clear at the top of the table. They knocked out Benfica with a sublime performance in the Champions League knockouts in their last outing. However, Barca are winless against Atletico this season having faced a defeat and a draw. They have scored 14 goals from 35 shots on target in their last five games. With 34 goals, Robert Lewandowski is their top scorer while Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have scored 27 goals and 12 goals respectively. Raphinha also accounts for 17 assists followed by Lamine Yamal with 16 and Alejandro Balde with seven assists.

Atlético Madrid Team News

Koke remains the only absentee for Atlético Madrid heading into this fixture while the remainder of their squad is fit and available for selection.

FC Barcelona Team News

Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are long term absentees while Andreas Christensen is the latest addition to the list of injuries for Hansi Flick’s side.

Atlético Madrid vs FC Barcelona Predicted Lineups

Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Oblak

Defenders: Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan

Midfielders: Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher

Forwards: Griezmann, Alvarez

FC Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Szczesny

Defenders: Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde

Midfielders: Pedri, de Jong

Forwards: Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Atlético Madrid vs FC Barcelona Head-to-Head Record

Key Players to Watch in Atlético Madrid vs FC Barcelona

Julian Alvarez (Atlético Madrid)

The Argentine striker is enjoying a dream debut season with Atlético Madrid. He has been firing on all cylinders and has emerged as Diego Simeone’s most trusted lieutenant. Alvarez’s versatility, pure attacking instincts and movements with the ball will come in handy for his side. He has scored four goals while maintaining an xG of 2.2 in the last five games.

Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)

Lamine Yamal has been the talk of the town for quite some time now. The Spanish wonderkid has made it to the headlines with his sublime moves on the pitch. His vision, dribbling and style of play give a feeling of nostalgia to all football enthusiasts across the globe. Yamal possesses an xG and an xA of 0.9 and 1.8 respectively in his last five appearances.

Atlético Madrid vs FC Barcelona Prediction

A lot is at the stake for both sides heading into this fixture. While Atletico Madrid are determined to bounce back to winning ways, Barcelona are motivated to retain the top position. We expect this game to go Barcelona’s way.

Predicted Score: Atlético Madrid 1-3 FC Barcelona

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