Game Preview
FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are two of La Liga's best teams, though they seem to be in different echelons this season. While Los Blaugranas are locked in a two-team race with Real Madrid for the title, Los Colchoneros are in third and seem to be settling with a 2020-21 UEFA Champions League berth. The recent results, however, do not favor Barcelona. Even though they are currently riding a 19-game undefeated streak in league play against Atletico (W14, D5), they are also coming off a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo that diminished their title chances greatly. Atletico, on the other hand, arrive into this game on a four-game winning streak in league play.
Recent Form
FC Barcelona: W3, D2
Atletico Madrid: W4, D1
Team News
FC Barcelona
OUT: Frenkie de Jong (calf), Ousmane Dembele (hamstring)
Doubtful: Sergi Roberto (ribs)
Atletico Madrid
OUT: Mario Hermoso (groin), Sime Vrsaljko (knee)
Doubtful: None
Expected Lineups
FC Barcelona: Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann
Atletico Madrid: Jan Oblak; Kieran Trippier, Stefan Savic, Jose Maria Gimenez, Renan Lodi; Koke, Thomas Partey, Marcos Llorente, Saul Niguez; Diego Costa, Joao Felix
Top Picks
Luis Suarez, FC Barcelona: Lionel Messi should be the unquestionable pick in almost any Barcelona match, but he is expected to be tightly marked
Game Preview
FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are two of La Liga's best teams, though they seem to be in different echelons this season. While Los Blaugranas are locked in a two-team race with Real Madrid for the title, Los Colchoneros are in third and seem to be settling with a 2020-21 UEFA Champions League berth. The recent results, however, do not favor Barcelona. Even though they are currently riding a 19-game undefeated streak in league play against Atletico (W14, D5), they are also coming off a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo that diminished their title chances greatly. Atletico, on the other hand, arrive into this game on a four-game winning streak in league play.
Recent Form
FC Barcelona: W3, D2
Atletico Madrid: W4, D1
Team News
FC Barcelona
OUT: Frenkie de Jong (calf), Ousmane Dembele (hamstring)
Doubtful: Sergi Roberto (ribs)
Atletico Madrid
OUT: Mario Hermoso (groin), Sime Vrsaljko (knee)
Doubtful: None
Expected Lineups
FC Barcelona: Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann
Atletico Madrid: Jan Oblak; Kieran Trippier, Stefan Savic, Jose Maria Gimenez, Renan Lodi; Koke, Thomas Partey, Marcos Llorente, Saul Niguez; Diego Costa, Joao Felix
Top Picks
Luis Suarez, FC Barcelona: Lionel Messi should be the unquestionable pick in almost any Barcelona match, but he is expected to be tightly marked by the opposing defenders. This converts Suarez into a strong play, as the Barcelona striker is coming off a brace against Celta and thrives in games where there is limited space in the final meters.
Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona: Messi should still be a decent vice-captain alternative, as he continues to be the league's most impactful performer by a wide margin. He might not have many chances to score, but he thrives in close games and should be a popular play once again.
Captain and Vice-Captain Options
Dream11 Team
DF: Jordi Alba
DF: Nelson Semedo
DF: Kieran Trippier
MF: Saul Niguez
MF: Arturo Vidal
MF: Koke
FW: Diego Costa
FW: Lionel Messi (VC)
FW: Luis Suarez (C)
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are of the author and is not a reflection of the actual points you might earn.
