Match: FC Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid
Date: 11 January 2015 - 20:00 GMT
Competition: Spanish Primera Division
Date: 11 January 2015 - 20:00 GMT
Competition: Spanish Primera Division
FC Barcelona will be looking for a league bounce back after they lost to
David Moyes’ Real Sociedad last weekend but they trashed 5-0 Elche in
midweek's Copa del Rey round. Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta was
sacked after Sunday's defeat to Sociedad and Carles Puyol, the
former Barcelona star and Zubizarreta's assistant, resigned from his
position. On top of all came a hidden conflict between coach Luis
Enrique and their star player Messi.
Luis Enrique will play with his best XI. Xavi is a doubt as well as of
stopper Mathieu but Neymar, Messi and Suarez will start the match.
Thomas Vermaelen remain the only injured player.
Atletico Madrid have won 5 of their last 6 matches in BBVA La Liga. The Colchoneros will also be buoyed following their 2-0 victory over cross-town rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. Away from home, Atletico have won 13 and lost just four away games last season, and have already won five out of eight in this campaign, including a 1-0 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Coach Simeone is likely to recall Mario Mandzukic in place of Fernando Torres who made his second debut for the club in midweek. Cristian Rodriguez was back in Atleti training this week, while recovered stopper Miranda will stay on the bench because Gimenez is simply excellent. Cani and Cristian Ansaldi are the only absentees for the Argentine manager to contend with. Frenchman Griezmann is in great form having scored five goals in Athleticos last two league matches nd he is likely to start.
Both teams have won twelve and lost three of their opening 17 fixtures, with the Catalans holding the edge in goal difference. Barcelona have won 34 of their last 38 home matches in La Liga but they failed to beat Atletico in six meetings last season, losing one and drawing five. Atletico have an extra day of recovery and this could be a decisive factor.
Atletico Madrid have won 5 of their last 6 matches in BBVA La Liga. The Colchoneros will also be buoyed following their 2-0 victory over cross-town rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. Away from home, Atletico have won 13 and lost just four away games last season, and have already won five out of eight in this campaign, including a 1-0 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Coach Simeone is likely to recall Mario Mandzukic in place of Fernando Torres who made his second debut for the club in midweek. Cristian Rodriguez was back in Atleti training this week, while recovered stopper Miranda will stay on the bench because Gimenez is simply excellent. Cani and Cristian Ansaldi are the only absentees for the Argentine manager to contend with. Frenchman Griezmann is in great form having scored five goals in Athleticos last two league matches nd he is likely to start.
Both teams have won twelve and lost three of their opening 17 fixtures, with the Catalans holding the edge in goal difference. Barcelona have won 34 of their last 38 home matches in La Liga but they failed to beat Atletico in six meetings last season, losing one and drawing five. Atletico have an extra day of recovery and this could be a decisive factor.
Probable lineups:
Atlético de Madrid
: Moya – Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Siqueira – Gabi, Tiago – Koke, Arda Turan, Griezmann – Mandzukic.
FC Barcelona: Bravo – Dani Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Jordi Alba – Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta – Neymar, Messi, Suarez.
