La Liga 2016/17: FC Barcelona Vs Atletico Madrid - Preview, team news and predicted line-ups

Indian Super League Prediction

April 28 2024, 07:30 PM

ATK Mohun Bagan

Odisha

Barcelona, Sep 21: Reigning La Liga champions FC Barcelona take on rivals and title aspirants Atletico Madrid in a crucial game week 5 encounter on Wednesday night (September 21).

Barcelona are in a scintilating form at the moment as they have scored 12 goals in their last two matches against Celtic and Leganes. [La Liga 2016-17: Schedule of Game week 5]

Luis Enrique (left) and Diego Simeone (Image courtesy: Atletico Madrid Twitter handle)

Luis Enrique's side have won 3 matches and lost 1 so far. Their only defeat came against newly promoted side Alaves. They are in the second position in the league table behind arch rivals Real Madrid.

Atletico Madrid started the season on a poor note as they lost and drew their first two matches. Since then they have gained momentum and picked up back to back wins including a smashing 5-0 win last weekend.

Kick-off: 1:30 AM (IST)

Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona

Team News

FC Barcelona are likely to field their best possible starting XI against a strong Atletico Madrid side on Wednesday night.

Luis Enrique's side does not have any injury concern. The famour trio Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi will start upfront.

Arda Turan, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets will form the midfield. Sergi Roberto is likely to replace Rafinha in the right-back position even though the Brazilian had scored a goal last week.

Umtiti, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba will be the other three defenders.

Diego Simeone is likely to keep the staring XI unchanged. Fernando Torres who scored a brace last week will remain in the bench and will be utilised in the latter stages of the game.

Predicted XIs

FC Barcelona (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Defenders: Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, Jordi Alba

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Arda Turan

Strikers: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar