La Liga
Atletico de Madrid vs Barcelona Preview
Round 13 of La Liga fixtures has a great fixture in store as Atletico de Madrid take on FC Barcelona. This game is always one of the most exciting fixtures of the season. Club football is back and here to stay for quite a while now. After a very lengthy two week international break, some of La Liga’s biggest stars will face off at the Wanda Metropolitana. Barça head into the clash at the top of La Liga. They are only one point clear of opponents Atletico who are third (behind Sevilla on goal difference).
Barcelona and Atletico have both had their struggles. They have not lived up to their supremely high standards yet. But this game is huge for both sides. Let us take a look at what all we can expect.
Team News
Both teams have a number of players who are doubtful for this game. Atletico have an especially large number of players with slight injuries. Captain Diego Godin has picked up a thigh injury. Diego Costa is doubtful due to a foot injury. Jose Maria Gimenez has a strain in his hamstring but may still feature. Adding to this long list of doubtful players are Thomas Lemar, Lucas Hernandez, Koke and Stefan Savic.
As for the visitors, they have most of their players available for selection. Phillipe Coutinho however is still doubtful and will most likely be on the bench if he is selected. He did train with the squad earlier this week. Ivan Rakitic has a slight hamstring injury but he will be unavailable regardless due to suspension.
Ones To Watch
The hosts will have their eyes on their talisman Antoine Griezmann to provide the goals. They will also count on their midfield maestro Saul to bring some magic. Diego Costa has not been at his best so far this season. He is doubtful for the game but one would think he is likely to feature. If that is the case the ‘Los Concholeros’ faithful will have another great player to count on.
Barça of course have a fully fit and well rested Leo Messi to depend upon. Luis Suarez seems to be picking up the pace rapidly and will be among the key figures in the game. Arturo Vidal looks set to finally make his first start for the club. He has publicly stated how badly he wants to prove himself as well. He will be one to look out for.
Interesting Facts and Prediction
This is a mammoth fixture and one that has a rich history. Let us take a look at some of the interesting tidbits about the game:
- Atletico Madrid have not been able to beat Barça in their last 16 La Liga meetings. They have lost 12 games and drawn four times.
- Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has scored a staggering 28 goals against Atletico de Madrid, making them his second favorite opponents.
- If Atleti manage to beat the Blaugrana, it will be the first time Barça have lost two straight league games since 2016.
- Atletico de Madrid have collected more points at home than any other team this season.
- Diego Costa has faced Barcelona more times without scoring (9) than he has any other team in his career.
The head to head record and recent form of the two teams indicates a win for Barcelona but one can never rule out a side that is as strong as Diego Simeone’s Atletico de Madrid. Ernesto Valverde will have to send his team out with a airtight game plan to get a result. The game should be really well contested though and it will be a treat for all the spectators.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona
Photo credit to soikeo .info via Flickr
